Organisms that can produce energy from sunlight are primarily known as photosynthesizers. The most common examples of these organisms are plants, algae, and some bacteria.
Photosynthesis is the process used by these organisms to convert light energy, usually from the sun, into chemical energy stored in glucose. Plants, for instance, utilize chlorophyll, the green pigment, to capture sunlight. During photosynthesis, they take in carbon dioxide from the air and water from the soil, and through a series of chemical reactions, they produce glucose and oxygen.
Algae, which can be found in various aquatic environments, function similarly to terrestrial plants in that they also contain chlorophyll and can perform photosynthesis. Some bacteria, known as cyanobacteria, also have the ability to photosynthesize, contributing to energy production in aquatic ecosystems.
In summary, photosynthetic organisms like plants, algae, and certain bacteria play a crucial role in converting solar energy into chemical energy, supporting not only their own growth but also sustaining life across the planet.