* Sunlight provides the energy: Photosynthesis uses light energy from the sun to split water molecules.
* Electrons are energized: The energy from the sunlight is used to excite electrons in chlorophyll, the pigment that gives plants their green color.
* Carbon dioxide is used: These energized electrons are then used to convert carbon dioxide from the air into glucose.
* Glucose stores the energy: The glucose molecule contains the chemical energy captured from sunlight.
This glucose can then be used by the plant for growth, reproduction, and other metabolic processes. It can also be stored as starch for later use.