Chlorophyll is a chemical that allows plants to convert solar energy coming from the sun into stored energy. The energy is stored in the form of carbohydrate , a chemical that makes up most of the food that animals eat. The process is very complex, but basically the plant cell combines molecules of carbon dioxide and water , in the presence of light, and with the help of chlorophyll, into larger energy-rich molecules called glucose , a simple sugar. Sugar molecules are joined together to make larger carbohydrates . Since these carbohydrates contain energy, they are used by the plant to store energy for growing and they are also used by animals as food, a source of energy.
Photosynthesis is important to life in other ways.
The process uses carbon dioxide, a waste product, which all organisms produce, and releases oxygen , which all organisms must have. Sometimes on a warm day you can see bubbles of gas in the pond. These contain oxygen released by the plants. If carbon dioxide were not removed from the air, we would soon suffocate. Thus, we and other animals depend on plants for food and oxygen.