Plants take in water and minerals through their roots which are transported throughout the plant as raw sap. Raw sap and carbon dioxide undergo photosynthesis in the leaves, using sunlight to produce elaborated sap and releasing oxygen. Elaborated sap is distributed to all parts of the plant through phloem vessels. Plants also undergo respiration, taking in oxygen at night and releasing carbon dioxide, allowing plants to produce energy for growth. Overall, plants produce more oxygen than they consume, providing oxygen for other living things like humans.