Photosynthesis is the process by which plants convert light energy, carbon dioxide, and water into glucose and oxygen through the use of chlorophyll. The key chemical equation shows carbon dioxide and water being converted to glucose and oxygen in the presence of sunlight and chlorophyll. Tests for the presence of starch involve boiling a leaf to stop chemical reactions, using ethanol to remove chlorophyll, and then dipping the leaf in iodine - if starch is present, the leaf will turn blue-black.