Why do plants take in carbon dioxide and exhale out oxygen?

Plants take in carbon dioxide (CO2) during the process of photosynthesis, which occurs in their leaves. They use sunlight to convert CO2 and water into glucose and oxygen. The oxygen produced is a byproduct of this process and is released into the atmosphere, while the glucose serves as energy and building material for the plant. This exchange of gases is crucial for maintaining the Earth's atmosphere and supporting life.