What do leaves primarily do for a plant?

Leaves primarily perform photosynthesis, which is the process by which plants convert sunlight into chemical energy. This crucial function allows plants to use sunlight to transform carbon dioxide from the air and water from the soil into glucose and oxygen. Glucose serves as an essential energy source for growth and development, while the oxygen released is vital for other organisms, including humans.

While leaves can play a role in other activities, like storing some nutrients or providing support to the plant structure, their main purpose is to harness solar energy for food production. Reproductive functions are typically managed by flowers or other specialized parts of a plant rather than the leaves themselves. Thus, the primary role of leaves is undeniably tied to the process of photosynthesis.