Here's how it works:

* Light-Dependent Reactions: The first stage of photosynthesis uses sunlight to energize electrons in chlorophyll, a pigment found in plants. These energized electrons are used to split water molecules, releasing oxygen as a byproduct.

* Light-Independent Reactions (Calvin Cycle): The energy from the light-dependent reactions is then used to power the Calvin Cycle. This cycle converts carbon dioxide from the atmosphere into sugar (glucose), which serves as food for the plant.

So, in essence, photosynthesis is a process where plants use sunlight to convert inorganic materials (water and carbon dioxide) into organic matter (sugar), storing energy from the sun in the chemical bonds of that sugar.