Photosynthesis is the process by which plants, algae, and some bacteria convert sunlight into chemical energy in the form of glucose. This process occurs in chloroplasts, which contain chlorophyll, the pigment that captures sunlight. During photosynthesis, carbon dioxide from the air and water from the soil are taken in by plants. In the presence of sunlight, chlorophyll absorbs energy and uses it to convert the carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen. This is a vital process for all living organisms, as plants are the primary producers that provide food and oxygen for the rest of the ecosystem. The overall chemical equation for photosynthesis is: 6CO2 + 6H2O + light energy → C6H12O6 + 6O2 Photosynthesis consists of two main stages: the light-dependent reactions and the light-independent reactions (Calvin cycle). In the light-dependent reactions, light energy is used to split water molecules and produce ATP and NADPH. These molecules then fuel the Calvin cycle, where carbon dioxide is fixed and converted into glucose. Photosynthesis is crucial for the ecosystem, as it sustains life by producing oxygen and converting sunlight into energy that can be used by organisms throughout the food chain. Understanding this process is essential for appreciating the interconnectedness of all living things on Earth.