How do plants convert sunlight into chemical energy?

Plants convert sunlight into chemical energy primarily through the process of photosynthesis. During photosynthesis, plants utilize chlorophyll, a pigment found in their leaves, to capture sunlight. This energy from sunlight drives a series of chemical reactions that take place in the chloroplasts of plant cells.

In photosynthesis, carbon dioxide from the air and water from the soil are combined using the energy harvested from sunlight. This process produces glucose, a form of sugar that serves as a source of chemical energy for the plant, as well as oxygen, which is released as a byproduct. The glucose produced can be used immediately for energy or stored for later use, making it essential for the plant's growth and development.

This answer correctly highlights the significance of photosynthesis in converting radiant energy from the sun into a stable energy source in the form of glucose, emphasizing the transformation of light energy into chemical energy in plants.