What is the process by which plants convert sunlight into chemical energy called?

The process by which plants convert sunlight into chemical energy is known as photosynthesis. During photosynthesis, plants use sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water to produce glucose and oxygen. This process primarily takes place in the chloroplasts of plant cells, which contain chlorophyll that captures light energy.

Photosynthesis is essential for life on Earth as it forms the foundation of the food chain, providing energy sources for various organisms. The glucose produced can be used by the plant for energy, growth, and development, or stored for later use, while oxygen is released as a by-product, which is vital for the survival of aerobic organisms.

In contrast, respiration is the process by which organisms convert glucose and oxygen into energy, releasing carbon dioxide and water as by-products, while transpiration involves the movement of water vapor from the inside of the plant to the atmosphere, playing a role in water regulation and nutrient transport. Glycolysis, on the other hand, is a biochemical pathway that breaks down glucose into pyruvate, releasing energy in the form of ATP, and does not involve the conversion of sunlight into chemical energy.