Which of the following statements about photosynthesis is correct?

The correct statement is that photosynthesis is a process that converts solar energy into chemical energy. During photosynthesis, plants, algae, and some bacteria capture sunlight and use it to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen. The glucose produced serves as a form of stored chemical energy that the plant can use for growth and metabolic processes. This transformation is fundamental to how energy flows through ecosystems, as plants are the primary producers that form the base of the food chain.

The other statements are flawed in their understanding of photosynthesis. The process does not require the presence of oxygen; in fact, oxygen is a byproduct of photosynthesis. It cannot produce glucose without light, as light energy is essential to drive the reactions involved. Additionally, while mineral nutrients in the soil are important for plant health, photosynthesis itself does not depend solely on them, as the process primarily relies on light, water, and carbon dioxide.