Final answer:
Photosynthesis uses light energy to convert carbon dioxide and water into carbohydrates and oxygen. All heterotrophic organisms rely on this process for energy and oxygen, which are produced by autotrophs like plants and algae.
Step-by-step explanation:
Through the process of photosynthesis, light energy is used to obtain electrons from water and produce oxygen, and subsequently combine carbon dioxide (CO2) molecules that will eventually contribute toward production of sugars. Consequently, all heterotrophic organisms are dependent upon green organisms for both energy and the air they breathe. Photosynthesis is a crucial biological process where photoautotrophs, such as plants, algae, and cyanobacteria, use sunlight to convert carbon dioxide and water into energy-rich carbohydrates like glucose, and release oxygen as a byproduct. This reaction occurs within chloroplasts in eukaryotic autotrophs and within membranes and the cytoplasm in prokaryotes.