How does photosynthesis contribute to plant growth?

Photosynthesis is a vital process in which plants convert light energy, typically from the sun, into chemical energy stored in glucose, a simple sugar. During this process, carbon dioxide is taken from the atmosphere and water is absorbed from the soil. Chlorophyll, the green pigment in plant leaves, captures sunlight. The energy from the light is then used to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen. The glucose serves as an energy source for the plant, supporting growth, reproduction, and other metabolic activities. Additionally, the oxygen produced is released into the atmosphere, which is essential for the survival of most living organisms.

Other options, while related to plant functions, do not accurately describe the primary role of photosynthesis. For instance, converting sunlight into water is not part of the photosynthesis process; rather, water is a reactant utilized in photosynthesis. Producing oxygen and nitrogen is inaccurate because photosynthesis primarily produces oxygen but does not produce nitrogen. Absorbing minerals from the soil pertains to nutrient uptake through roots but is not a function of photosynthesis itself. Thus, the correct understanding of how photosynthesis contributes to plant growth is through its process of converting light energy into chemical energy, producing glucose and oxygen, which are crucial for the plant's