Photosynthesis

Nearly every life form on Earth indirectly or directly depends on plants, or autotrophs, for energy.  Autotrophs produce their own food supply through a process known as photosynthesis, during which carbon dioxide and water are converted into glucose, a useable energy source.  Sunlight is necessary for plants that perform photosynthesis.

 

 Using sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water, plants are able to convert inorganic compounds into glucose for the plant's use, and for the animal's use who consumes that plant.  The overall chemical reaction of photosynthesis is taking six water and six carbon dioxide molecules to produce a single glucose molecule and six oxygen molecules.  A plant performing photosynthesis can be thought of as a baker mixing different unedible ingredients and adding heat to result in an delicious food.