The chemical process by which plants produce glucose from carbon dioxide and water is called photosynthesis. This process primarily occurs in the chloroplasts of plant cells, where sunlight is captured by chlorophyll. Through a series of reactions, carbon dioxide and water are converted into glucose and oxygen, using light energy. The overall equation for photosynthesis can be summarized as: 6CO₂ + 6H₂O + light energy → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂. Photosynthesis is crucial for life on Earth, as it provides the basis for the food chain and contributes to oxygen production.