What is the role of carbon dioxide in photosynthesis?

The role of carbon dioxide in photosynthesis is critical as it serves as one of the primary raw materials that plants use to produce their own food. During the process of photosynthesis, plants take in carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through small openings in their leaves called stomata. This carbon dioxide then combines with water absorbed by the roots and, using sunlight as energy, undergoes a series of chemical reactions to produce glucose (a type of sugar) and oxygen. The glucose serves as a source of energy for the plant, while the oxygen is released into the atmosphere as a byproduct. This process is fundamental to the survival of the plant and contributes to the oxygen content in the atmosphere, thus playing a vital role in the Earth's ecosystem.