Final answer:
During photosynthesis, plants produce oxygen by converting carbon dioxide and water into sugars and oxygen, using light energy. This process not only provides energy for the plant but also contributes oxygen to the atmosphere essential for life.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Process of Photosynthesis
During photosynthesis, plants remove carbon dioxide from the air and produce oxygen. Photosynthesis is a critical biological process where green plants, using the energy from light, convert carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O) into sugars/carbohydrates and oxygen. This transformation not only provides energy for the plants themselves but also replenishes the atmosphere with oxygen, which is vital for the survival of most life forms on Earth. Sugars produced through photosynthesis are later used during cellular respiration to release energy for various cellular functions. It is important to note that while cellular respiration does produce CO2 and water as by-products, it is the process of photosynthesis that is directly responsible for the oxygen production in the atmosphere.