1. Light energy: This is the primary energy source for the process. Plants absorb light energy from the sun, particularly the red and blue wavelengths.

2. Carbon dioxide (CO2): This is the source of carbon atoms that will be used to build sugars. Plants obtain CO2 from the atmosphere through tiny pores called stomata on their leaves.

3. Water (H2O): Water serves as a source of electrons and hydrogen ions, which are necessary for the chemical reactions of photosynthesis. Plants absorb water from the soil through their roots.

4. Chlorophyll: This green pigment is essential for capturing light energy. Chlorophyll resides within chloroplasts, specialized organelles found in plant cells.

5. Enzymes: These proteins act as catalysts to speed up the chemical reactions involved in photosynthesis.

6. Other minerals: Plants also require small amounts of minerals, such as magnesium (for chlorophyll production) and nitrogen (for protein synthesis), which are absorbed from the soil.

These materials are combined within the chloroplasts of plant cells to produce glucose (sugar) and oxygen.