What is the name of the process by which light energy is converted into chemical energy in plants?

• A. Cellular respiration
• B. Photosynthesis
• C. Transpiration
• D. Glycolysis

Answer: (B)

The process by which light energy is converted into chemical energy in plants is known as photosynthesis. During photosynthesis, plants capture light energy from the sun using chlorophyll and other pigments in their leaves. This energy is then used to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose, a type of sugar that serves as a chemical energy source for the plant. The general equation for photosynthesis can be summarized as follows:

6 CO₂ + 6 H₂O + light energy → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6 O₂

In this process, the light energy is transformed into chemical energy stored in the bonds of glucose molecules, which can later be utilized by the plant for growth, metabolism, and energy.

Photosynthesis is distinct from the other processes listed. Cellular respiration, for example, is the process by which cells convert glucose and oxygen into energy, carbon dioxide, and water, effectively releasing energy rather than capturing it. Transpiration is the process of water vapor loss from plant leaves and does not involve energy conversion. Glycolysis is a metabolic pathway that breaks down glucose to produce energy in the form of ATP and occurs in all living organisms, but it does not involve the conversion of light energy into chemical energy as photos