What is the main purpose of photosynthesis in plants?

The main purpose of photosynthesis in plants is to produce energy from sunlight. During this process, plants convert light energy into chemical energy in the form of glucose. This occurs primarily in the chloroplasts of plant cells, where chlorophyll, the green pigment, captures sunlight. The energy derived from sunlight drives the chemical reactions that combine carbon dioxide from the air with water from the soil to synthesize glucose. This glucose serves as an essential energy source for the plant, fueling its growth, reproduction, and overall metabolism.

While other processes, such as nutrient absorption from the soil or root growth, are vital for a plant's health and development, they do not represent the primary function of photosynthesis. Seed dispersal is also unrelated to photosynthesis, as it is more concerned with plant reproduction rather than energy production. Thus, the correct choice emphasizes the crucial role of sunlight in enabling plants to generate their own energy through the process of photosynthesis.