Which process converts sunlight into chemical energy in plants?

Photosynthesis is the process by which plants, algae, and some bacteria convert sunlight into chemical energy, specifically in the form of glucose. During this process, plants take in carbon dioxide from the air and water from the soil. When sunlight hits the chlorophyll in the leaves, it provides the energy necessary to drive the chemical reactions that transform these raw materials into glucose and oxygen is released as a by-product.

This chemical energy stored in glucose can later be used by the plant for growth, reproduction, and other vital functions or can be converted into other forms of energy through processes like respiration when the plant needs to release energy for its activities. By contrast, respiration is the process of breaking down glucose to release energy, while fermentation is an alternative method of energy production under anaerobic conditions, and decomposition involves the breaking down of organic matter, which does not involve the conversion of sunlight into energy.