What process enables cells to capture light energy and convert it into chemical energy to synthesize sugars?

• A. Photosynthesis
• B. Fermentation
• C. Glycolysis
• D. Chemosynthesis

Answer: (A)

Photosynthesis is the process by which cells capture light energy and convert it into chemical energy to synthesize sugars. In the light-dependent reactions, pigments like chlorophyll absorb light to produce ATP and NADPH and to split water, releasing oxygen. Those energy carriers then power the Calvin cycle, where carbon dioxide is fixed into sugars such as glucose. This sequence directly links light energy to the construction of carbohydrate molecules.

Other pathways don’t fit because fermentation and glycolysis break down sugars to release energy without using light energy to build sugars, and chemiosynthesis relies on chemical energy from inorganic reactions rather than light to assemble organic compounds.