What process converts sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide into glucose and oxygen?

Photosynthesis occurs in plants, algae, and some bacteria, converting light energy into chemical energy stored in glucose. Equation: 6CO₂ + 6H₂O + light energy → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂. Plants take in CO₂ through stomata in leaves; absorb water through roots; capture light using chlorophyll in chloroplasts (green pigment); produce glucose (food) and release oxygen as byproduct. Two main stages: (1) Light-dependent reactions — occur in thylakoid membranes; produce ATP and NADPH; split water releasing O₂; (2) Light-independent reactions (Calvin cycle) — occur in stroma; use ATP and NADPH to fix CO₂ into glucose. Photosynthesis is the foundation of nearly all food chains; provides oxygen for aerobic respiration. Cellular respiration is essentially the reverse: C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂ → 6CO₂ + 6H₂O + ATP. Plants do BOTH photosynthesis (during light) and respiration (all the time). Net effect during day: photosynthesis dominates, plants produce O₂ and consume CO₂. At night: only respiration, plants consume O₂ and produce CO₂.