The process by which plants manufacture food from carbon dioxide and water using energy from the sun is called

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks for the name of the process in which plants make food from carbon dioxide and water, using energy from the sun. Three clues matter: the raw materials (CO₂ and water), the energy source (sunlight), and the products (food, meaning glucose).

Step 2: Explain the concept Break the word apart: photo means light, and synthesis means putting together or making. So photosynthesis means "making using light." It happens in the chloroplasts, where chlorophyll traps light energy.

The equation is:

6CO₂ + 6H₂O → (light energy, chlorophyll) → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂

Step 3: Check each option

• A. Chemosynthesis: Some bacteria make food using energy from chemical reactions (for example, oxidizing sulphur or ammonia). It does not use sunlight, so it is wrong.
• B. Photosynthesis: Uses CO₂, water and sunlight to make glucose. This matches the question exactly.
• C. Anabolism: The general term for building up complex molecules from simpler ones, using energy. Photosynthesis is an example of anabolism, but the term is too broad and does not specify sunlight, CO₂ or water.
• D. Catabolism: Breaking down complex substances to release energy, such as respiration. This is the opposite of what the question describes.

Step 4: Answer The correct option is B. photosynthesis.

Exam tip: Look for the keyword "sun" or "light". If light is the energy source, think photosynthesis. If the energy comes from chemical reactions, think chemosynthesis. Also remember: anabolism builds up, catabolism breaks down.