Which process do plants utilize to produce food in the presence of sunlight?

Plants utilize photosynthesis to produce food in the presence of sunlight. This vital process occurs primarily in the chloroplasts of plant cells, where chlorophyll captures sunlight. During photosynthesis, plants convert carbon dioxide from the air and water from the soil into glucose (a type of sugar) and oxygen. The equation representing this process is:

[ 6CO_2 + 6H_2O + light \ energy \rightarrow C_6H_{12}O_6 + 6O_2 ]

The glucose produced serves as an essential energy source for the plant, supporting growth, development, and cellular functions.

In contrast to photosynthesis, cellular respiration is a process used by plants (and animals) to break down glucose and release stored energy for use. Digestion refers to the process of breaking down food in multicellular organisms, which doesn’t apply to plants as they produce their own food. Fermentation is an anaerobic process that occurs when oxygen is not available, generally in some bacteria and yeast, and is not a primary method of energy production for plants.

Thus, photosynthesis is uniquely crucial for plants to create their food, utilizing sunlight as a driving force.