What is the primary purpose of photosynthesis for plants?

• A. To absorb nutrients from soil.
• B. To convert light energy into chemical energy stored as sugars.
• C. To regulate water uptake.
• D. To produce oxygen only.

Answer: (B)

Plants capture light energy with chlorophyll and use it to build glucose from carbon dioxide and water. That glucose stores chemical energy the plant can later release through respiration to power growth, repair, and daily metabolism. Oxygen is released in the process, but it’s a byproduct, not the primary goal. So the main function is converting light energy into chemical energy stored as sugars. The other statements describe separate plant processes: roots absorb nutrients from the soil, roots and stomata regulate water uptake, and oxygen production happens during photosynthesis but isn’t the main purpose.