Photosynthesis is the process plants use to make their own food using sunlight. It happens mainly in the leaves, where special parts of the cells called chloroplasts contain a green pigment called chlorophyll. Chlorophyll captures energy from sunlight.

Using this energy, plants take in carbon dioxide from the air through tiny pores in their leaves and water from the soil through their roots. The plant then uses the sunlight’s energy to turn the carbon dioxide and water into a type of sugar that it can use for energy and growth. As a bonus, it also releases oxygen into the air.

Key Points:

Who does it? Green plants, algae, and some bacteria.

Where? In the leaves, especially in cells with chloroplasts.

What’s needed? Sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide.

What’s made? Sugar (plant food) and oxygen (which we breathe).

Why is it important? It keeps plants alive and gives oxygen and food to all other living things.