The chemical process by which plants convert sunlight into energy is called photosynthesis. During photosynthesis, plants utilize sunlight, carbon dioxide from the air, and water from the soil to produce glucose and oxygen. The primary site of photosynthesis occurs in the chloroplasts of plant cells, where chlorophyll captures light energy. This process is vital for the survival of plants and forms the foundation of the food chain, as it converts solar energy into chemical energy that can be consumed by other organisms. Photosynthesis also plays a critical role in regulating atmospheric CO2 levels.