Final answer:
Plants produce their own food through a process called photosynthesis, in which they use sunlight to convert CO2 and H2O into glucose and O2. Photosynthesis is vital for plant growth and oxygen production.
Step-by-step explanation:
The process used by plants to make food is called photosynthesis. Photosynthesis is the procedure whereby plants convert carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O) into glucose (C6H12O6) and oxygen (O2) using solar energy. The glucose serves as energy and a building block for growth, while oxygen is released as a byproduct.
Photosynthesis is an endergonic reaction because it requires the absorption of energy. It is in direct contrast with cellular respiration, which is an exergonic reaction that releases energy by breaking down glucose in the presence of oxygen. Both processes are essential for the survival of life on Earth, as they are part of a balanced ecosystem where oxygen and carbohydrates produced by photosynthesis are used in cellular respiration by all organisms.