The common name for the process by which plants breathe is "photosynthesis." During photosynthesis, plants convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose (a sugar) and oxygen using sunlight as energy. This process primarily occurs in the chloroplasts of plant cells, where chlorophyll—a green pigment—captures light energy. Photosynthesis is essential for plant growth and development, as it provides the necessary energy and organic compounds for survival. Additionally, this process plays a crucial role in the Earth's ecosystem, as it produces oxygen and serves as the foundation of the food chain, supporting life for animals, including humans.