* Carbon Dioxide (CO₂): This is the source of carbon used to build the sugar molecules. Plants take in CO₂ from the atmosphere through tiny pores on their leaves called stomata.
* Oxygen (O₂): This is a byproduct of photosynthesis. It is released into the atmosphere as a result of the splitting of water molecules during the process.
While not directly involved in the chemical reaction, water (H₂O) is also crucial for photosynthesis. It is used as a source of electrons and hydrogen ions, and is split by the plant.
