The term for a category of organisms that can undergo photosynthesis is "autotrophs." Autotrophs, which include plants, algae, and certain bacteria, can produce their own food using sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water through the process of photosynthesis. This process converts light energy into chemical energy, stored as glucose, while releasing oxygen as a byproduct. Autotrophs are crucial to ecosystems as they form the base of the food chain, supporting heterotrophic organisms (those that cannot produce their own food). Their ability to capture solar energy significantly impacts global carbon cycles and environmental sustainability.