Plants capture the sun's energy and make food in the process of photosynthesis. Only about 0.1 percent of the sun's energy is captured by plants. Plants take carbon dioxide and water and, using the energy from sunlight, convert it into glucose (food) and oxygen. About one-half of the energy absorbed by plants is used right away. The other half is stored in plants as energy-containing food (carbohydrates). How do you think energy from the sun ends up in the crust, tomato sauce, cheese, and meat on a slice of pizza?