Plants are living organisms that produce their own food through photosynthesis. This process takes place in the chloroplasts of plant cells, using chlorophyll (the green pigment) to capture light energy.

The equation for photosynthesis is: 6CO₂ + 6H₂O + light energy → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂. In words: carbon dioxide plus water plus sunlight produces glucose (sugar) and oxygen. The glucose provides energy for the plant, and the oxygen is released into the air — which is what animals and humans breathe.

Plants have a life cycle: seed → germination → seedling → mature plant → flower → pollination → seed production. Roots absorb water and minerals from the soil. Stems transport water and nutrients. Leaves are the primary site of photosynthesis.

Plants are essential to life on Earth. They produce oxygen, provide food, prevent soil erosion, and form the base of most food chains.