The process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy is called what?

• A. Respiration
• B. Fermentation
• C. Photosynthesis
• D. Transpiration

Answer: (C)

Photosynthesis is the process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy. In this process, light energy captured by chlorophyll in the chloroplasts drives reactions that turn carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen. The energy from light becomes stored in the chemical bonds of glucose, providing the plant with a usable form of energy for growth and metabolism. This mainly occurs in leaf cells containing many chloroplasts, with the light-dependent reactions taking place in the thylakoid membranes and the carbon-fixing steps in the surrounding stroma. The overall result is energy stored as chemical bonds in sugar, with oxygen released as a byproduct. By contrast, respiration releases stored chemical energy from glucose, fermentation generates energy without oxygen, and transpiration involves water movement rather than energy conversion.