How is CO2 important for plants?

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is essential for plants primarily because it is a vital component of the process of photosynthesis. During photosynthesis, plants absorb CO2 from the atmosphere through small openings in their leaves called stomata. This process occurs mainly in the chloroplasts of plant cells, where sunlight is captured and used as energy.

The absorbed CO2 combines with water (H2O) in the presence of sunlight to produce glucose (C6H12O6), which serves as food for the plant, and oxygen (O2), which is released as a byproduct. This transformation is central to the energy flow in ecosystems, as it enables plants to convert inorganic carbon into organic compounds that support their growth and provide energy to other organisms in the food chain.

Understanding the role of CO2 highlights its significance in maintaining plant health and influencing the overall environment, as it forms the foundation of plant life and, by extension, the life of all other living organisms that depend on plants for food and oxygen.