What happens to oxygen produced during photosynthesis?

During photosynthesis, plants convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen using sunlight as the energy source. The oxygen produced during this process is a byproduct and is not utilized by the plant for building glucose or converting it into carbon dioxide. Instead, it is released into the atmosphere through small openings in the leaves called stomata. This oxygen release is crucial for life on Earth, as it contributes to the oxygen necessary for respiration in many organisms, including humans. The production and release of oxygen during photosynthesis play a vital role in maintaining the balance of gases in our atmosphere.