Final answer:
The process of photosynthesis involves plants converting sunlight into chemical energy that is stored in glucose. This process occurs in the chloroplasts of plant cells and releases oxygen as a byproduct.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding Photosynthesis
In the process of photosynthesis, plants and other photoautotrophs transform energy from the sun into chemical energy. This energy is stored in the chemical bonds of glucose (C6H12O6), a type of sugar. The overall photosynthetic chemical equation depicts this conversion: 6CO2 (carbon dioxide) + 6H2O (water) + light energy → C6H12O6 (glucose) + 6O2 (oxygen). Photosynthesis takes place in the chloroplasts of plant cells, where specialized pigments like chlorophyll absorb solar energy. The light reactions occur in the thylakoid membranes, where sunlight is converted into chemical energy in the form of ATP and NADPH through an electron transport chain. The energy stored in ATP and NADPH is then used to build carbohydrate molecules during the Calvin cycle. This process not only fuels plant growth but also produces oxygen as a byproduct, which is vital for animal life.
To answer the question specifically, the correct option is: A. Plants transform energy from the sun into chemical energy. This is the core of what photosynthesis achieves, as it allows plants to create their food using sunlight, thus supporting virtually all life on Earth through the production of glucose and release of oxygen.