What is the process by which aquatic plants convert sunlight into energy called?

The process by which aquatic plants convert sunlight into energy is known as photosynthesis. During photosynthesis, plants use chlorophyll within their cells to absorb light energy, primarily from the sun. This light energy is then used to convert carbon dioxide, which they absorb from the water and air, and water, which they take in through their roots and leaves, into glucose and oxygen.

The glucose produced serves as a form of energy that fuels the plant’s growth and metabolism, while the oxygen released is a vital byproduct that contributes to the overall oxygen supply in aquatic ecosystems, supporting other organisms, including fish and invertebrates.

In this context, respiration is a process used by all living organisms, including plants, to break down glucose for energy, but it is not the process of converting sunlight into energy. Fermentation is an anaerobic process that occurs when oxygen is scarce, often leading to the production of alcohol and carbon dioxide, but it does not involve the conversion of sunlight into energy. Decomposition refers to the breakdown of organic matter, which recycles nutrients back into the ecosystem but does not involve the energy conversion process that photosynthesis entails. Thus, photosynthesis is the accurate term describing how aquatic plants harness sunlight for energy production.