What is the main purpose of photosynthesis in plants?

The main purpose of photosynthesis in plants is the production of glucose. During this process, plants convert light energy, typically from the sun, into chemical energy stored in glucose molecules. This transformation occurs primarily in the chloroplasts, where chlorophyll captures light energy and uses it to drive the chemical reactions that combine carbon dioxide from the air and water from the soil to produce glucose and oxygen. Glucose serves as a vital energy source for the plant, fueling various cellular processes and providing building blocks for growth and repair. The oxygen produced is released as a byproduct, benefiting the environment and other living organisms by contributing to the atmosphere.

In contrast, the other options focus on secondary processes. While energy production is a result of glucose metabolism, it is not the direct aim of photosynthesis. Nutrient absorption occurs at the root level and supports the plant but is not part of the photosynthetic process itself. Waste removal is an essential process for plants but does not relate to the core function of photosynthesis, which is primarily centered on the synthesis of glucose using light energy.