How do plants prepare their own food, and why is sunlight important in this process?

Plants prepare their food through a process called photosynthesis, which takes place in the green parts of plants, mainly the leaves. Leaves contain a green pigment called chlorophyll, which captures sunlight. During photosynthesis, plants absorb carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the air through tiny pores called stomata and take up water (H₂O) from the soil through their roots. Using sunlight as energy, chlorophyll helps convert these raw materials into glucose (a simple sugar) and oxygen. The reaction can be summarized as:

6CO₂ + 6H₂O → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂ (in the presence of sunlight and chlorophyll)

Sunlight is important because it provides the energy required to drive this chemical reaction. Without sunlight, the process cannot occur, and plants would not be able to make food. The glucose produced is used by the plant for energy and growth, while oxygen is released into the atmosphere, which is essential for all living beings.