What process converts light energy into chemical energy in plants?

The process that converts light energy into chemical energy in plants is photosynthesis. During photosynthesis, plants utilize sunlight, carbon dioxide from the air, and water from the soil to create glucose and oxygen. The primary site for photosynthesis in plants is the chloroplast, where chlorophyll— the green pigment— absorbs light energy. This energy is then used to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose, a simple sugar that serves as food for the plant, effectively storing energy in a chemical form. The overall equation for photosynthesis can be summarized as:

6 CO₂ + 6 H₂O + light energy → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6 O₂

In this process, light energy is transformed into the chemical energy found in glucose, making it essential for the survival and growth of the plant. Other processes listed, such as respiration, transpiration, and fermentation, involve different energy transformations or materials and are not responsible for the conversion of light energy into chemical energy.