AP Biology/Photosynthesis

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Photosynthesis is the process by which plants convert sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water into energy (sugar). The chemical reaction is:

light + 6H_2O + 6CO_2 \rightarrow C_6H_12O_6 + 6O_2\,\!

It is because of this process that plants are defined as autotrophs, because they create their own food, as opposed to heterotrophs which consume each other as well as autrotrophs.