Which process in the carbon cycle allows plants to incorporate carbon into organic matter?

Photosynthesis is the process in which plants, algae, and some bacteria convert light energy, usually from the sun, into chemical energy in the form of glucose. During this process, these organisms take in carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and use it along with water to produce glucose and oxygen. This incorporation of carbon into glucose and other organic compounds is essential as it forms the basis of the food chain, providing energy and building blocks for not only the plants themselves but also for the organisms that consume them.

In the context of the carbon cycle, photosynthesis plays a critical role by reducing atmospheric carbon dioxide levels while enriching the biosphere with organic carbon. This organic matter can then be transferred through the ecosystem via feeding relationships and eventually return carbon to the atmosphere through processes like respiration and decomposition. Therefore, photosynthesis is fundamental for both the growth of plants and the overall cycling of carbon through the environment.