What gas do plants absorb from the atmosphere during photosynthesis?

Plants absorb carbon dioxide (CO├óÔÇÜÔÇÜ) from the air through small openings called stomata on their leaves. During photosynthesis, they combine CO├óÔÇÜÔÇÜ with water and use sunlight to produce glucose and oxygen. This process is crucial for maintaining the atmospheric balance because it removes CO├óÔÇÜÔÇÜ, a greenhouse gas, and releases oxygen essential for animal life. The Calvin cycle specifically utilizes CO├óÔÇÜÔÇÜ as a carbon source, which is fixed into organic compounds that sustain plant growth and energy storage.