The process by which plants convert sunlight into chemical energy is called photosynthesis. During photosynthesis, plants use sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water to produce glucose and oxygen. This process occurs primarily in the leaves of plants through specialized cells containing chlorophyll. The chemical equation for photosynthesis can be summarized as: carbon dioxide + water + sunlight → glucose + oxygen. Photosynthesis is fundamental for life on Earth, as it provides food for plants and oxygen for other living organisms, forming the base of most food chains.