Photosynthetic pathway

Photosynthetic pathways are the processes plants use to convert sunlight into energy. The most common pathway, called photosynthesis, takes place mainly in leaves. Chlorophyll, the green pigment, captures sunlight and uses its energy to transform carbon dioxide from the air and water from the soil into glucose, a type of sugar. This process also releases oxygen as a byproduct. Different plants have slight variations in these pathways, such as C3 and C4 pathways, which help them adapt to different environments. Overall, these pathways sustain the plant and produce the oxygen and food necessary for most life on Earth.