Which process captures sunlight to convert it into energy in plants?

The process that captures sunlight to convert it into energy in plants is photosynthesis. During photosynthesis, plants utilize sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to produce glucose and oxygen. This process primarily occurs in the chloroplasts, the cellular structures that contain chlorophyll, the green pigment that absorbs light.

Photosynthesis can be broken down into two main stages: the light-dependent reactions and the light-independent reactions (Calvin cycle). In the light-dependent reactions, sunlight is captured and converted into chemical energy in the form of ATP and NADPH. The light-independent reactions then use that energy to convert carbon dioxide into glucose, which serves as an essential source of energy for the plant.

This process is vital not only for plants but also for all life on Earth, as it contributes to the energy flow in ecosystems and provides the oxygen necessary for the respiration of most living organisms.

The other processes mentioned, such as respiration, evaporation, and transpiration, serve different functions. Respiration is the process by which organisms convert glucose into energy for cellular activities, while evaporation refers to the process of water turning into vapor. Transpiration involves the movement of water within a plant and the eventual loss of water vapor from aerial parts, primarily leaves. These processes do not involve