Photosynthesis is the process by which light energy is converted into chemical energy, in the form of sugars. This energy is then used to fuel the organism's activities. It's crucial not just for the organisms doing it, but for almost all life on Earth.
For photosynthesis to happen, you need three main things:
- Sunlight: This provides the energy to drive the reactions.
- Water (H₂O): Absorbed by roots, it's a source of electrons and protons.
- Carbon Dioxide (CO₂): Taken from the air through small pores called stomata, it's the carbon source for building sugars.