Photosynthesis is the process by which plants, algae and some bacteria use sunlight, carbon dioxide and water to produce oxygen and energy in the form of glucose. Chlorophyll, located in chloroplasts, absorbs energy from sunlight which is then used to convert carbon dioxide and water into oxygen and energy-rich organic compounds like glucose. Photosynthesis is essential for life on Earth as it produces the oxygen and organic compounds necessary to sustain life.