Plants turn sunlight, carbon dioxide (CO2), and water into sugar and oxygen through a process called photosynthesis . This is their way of making food and energy! Here's why they do it:

* Energy: Sunlight provides the energy needed to power the process. Plants use this energy to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose (a type of sugar), which is their food source. This glucose provides energy for growth, repair, and all the other functions a plant needs to survive.
* Oxygen: Photosynthesis also releases oxygen as a byproduct. This oxygen is essential for most living organisms on Earth, including humans, to breathe.

In simpler terms: Plants are like tiny solar panels. They take in sunlight, CO2, and water, use them to create food, and release oxygen as a waste product. This whole process is how plants contribute to the balance of life on Earth.