1. Carbon Dioxide (CO2): This is obtained from the air through tiny pores on the leaves called stomata. It provides the carbon atoms needed to build sugars.

2. Water (H2O): This is absorbed from the soil through the roots and transported to the leaves. Water provides the hydrogen atoms for sugars and also plays a crucial role in the light-dependent reactions.

3. Sunlight: This is the energy source for the entire process. It is captured by chlorophyll, a green pigment found in chloroplasts within the plant cells.

These three raw materials are combined in a complex series of chemical reactions to produce glucose (a simple sugar) and oxygen (O2) as a byproduct. This process is essential for life on Earth as it provides the basis for most food chains and the oxygen we breathe.