What is photosynthesis?

Photosynthesis is a vital biological process primarily found in green plants, algae, and some bacteria, where these organisms capture sunlight and convert it into chemical energy. Through this process, they synthesize food, primarily glucose, using carbon dioxide from the air and water from the soil. The overall reaction involves the chlorophyll within plant cells absorbing light energy, which powers the conversion of these raw materials into sugars, while oxygen is released as a by-product.

This option accurately encapsulates the essence of photosynthesis—emphasizing the role of sunlight in enabling plants to create their own food. The utilization of sunlight to drive this synthesis is what distinguishes photosynthesis from other processes and highlights its importance in ecosystems as the foundational mechanism for energy transfer from the sun to living organisms.

In contrast, other options do not describe photosynthesis accurately. While the conversion of light into heat can occur in various contexts, it does not directly relate to the food synthesis aspect of photosynthesis. The breakdown of glucose for energy refers to cellular respiration, not photosynthesis, as it involves using glucose produced during photosynthesis. Lastly, the absorption of nutrients from the soil pertains more to plant nutrient uptake and does not encompass the transformation of light into food energy.