What process do plants use to convert sunlight into chemical energy?

Plants utilize photosynthesis to convert sunlight into chemical energy, specifically in the form of glucose. This process occurs primarily in the chloroplasts of plant cells, where chlorophyll captures sunlight. During photosynthesis, plants take in carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and water from the soil. Using sunlight, they convert these raw materials into glucose and oxygen through a series of biochemical reactions.

This process is crucial for the plant’s growth and energy needs, as glucose serves as a source of energy and a building block for various organic compounds essential for the plant's structure and function. Additionally, the oxygen produced during photosynthesis is released into the atmosphere, which is vital for the survival of aerobic organisms.

The other processes listed do not perform the same function. Cellular respiration, for instance, is a metabolic process that breaks down glucose to release energy, while fermentation is an anaerobic process that converts glucose into energy without oxygen. Transpiration refers to the movement of water through plants and its evaporation from aerial parts, primarily leaves, but does not involve the conversion of sunlight into chemical energy. Thus, photosynthesis is the specific biological process that enables plants to harness solar energy and store it in the form of chemical energy.