Which process converts sunlight into chemical energy in plant cells?

The process that converts sunlight into chemical energy in plant cells is photosynthesis. During photosynthesis, plants use sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water to produce glucose and oxygen. This process occurs primarily in the chloroplasts of plant cells, where chlorophyll captures light energy. This light energy is then utilized to drive the conversion of carbon dioxide and water into glucose, which serves as a form of stored chemical energy that can be used by the plant for growth and maintenance. The oxygen generated during this process is released into the atmosphere as a byproduct.

In contrast, the other processes mentioned, such as cellular respiration, fermentation, and glycolysis, do not harness sunlight. Instead, cellular respiration is the process by which cells break down glucose in the presence of oxygen to produce energy, while fermentation occurs when oxygen is unavailable, allowing cells to convert sugars into energy through anaerobic pathways. Glycolysis is the initial stage of both aerobic and anaerobic respiration, breaking down glucose into pyruvate to release energy, but it does not involve the conversion of sunlight into chemical energy.