Which of the following best explains photosynthesis?

Photosynthesis is fundamentally the process through which plants, algae, and some bacteria convert light energy from the sun into chemical energy stored in glucose molecules. During this process, these organisms take in carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and water from the soil, using light energy to drive the chemical reactions that produce glucose and oxygen. This transformation of light energy into a usable form of chemical energy is central to the process, making it essential for life on Earth as it forms the basis of the food chain and contributes to the oxygen content of the atmosphere.

The other choices do not describe photosynthesis accurately. The method of nutrient absorption by roots pertains to how plants take up minerals and water, while the breakdown of carbohydrates for energy focuses on cellular respiration, which is the opposite of photosynthesis. The transformation of genetic material in cells is more related to processes like DNA replication and cell division, rather than energy conversion. Thus, the first option concisely captures the essence of photosynthesis.