Which process combines water and carbon dioxide using light energy to create glucose?

The process that combines water and carbon dioxide using light energy to create glucose is photosynthesis. This fundamental biological process occurs primarily in the chloroplasts of plant cells, where chlorophyll captures sunlight. During photosynthesis, plants take in carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and absorb water through their roots. The light energy is then used to convert these raw materials into glucose, a sugar that serves as a vital energy source for the plant. The overall reaction not only produces glucose but also releases oxygen as a byproduct, which is essential for most life forms on Earth.

Photosynthesis is integral to the food chain, as it is the means by which plants produce food, serving as the primary energy source for herbivores and, subsequently, for carnivores. Understanding this process highlights the importance of plants in ecosystems and their role in carbon cycling and oxygen production.