Texas A&M University (TAMU) BIOL111 Introductory Biology I Exam 3 Practice Exam

The main function of photosynthesis in plants is to convert solar energy into chemical energy. This process occurs in the chloroplasts of plant cells, where light energy is captured and used to transform carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen. The glucose produced serves as an energy source for the plant and as a building block for growth, while oxygen is released as a byproduct, contributing to the oxygen needed by living organisms for respiration.

This energy transformation is essential for the survival of plants, as it enables them to create their own food and supports the foundation of the food web. Other organisms, including animals and humans, rely on this process since it provides the oxygen we breathe and the organic compounds we consume. Understanding photosynthesis is crucial for appreciating how energy flows through ecosystems and the interdependence of life forms.