C3 photosynthesis is the most common type of photosynthesis found in plants, where carbon dioxide is converted into glucose using sunlight. This process occurs in the chloroplasts of plant cells and involves three main steps: carbon fixation, reduction, and regeneration. The name "C3" comes from the three-carbon compound, 3-phosphoglycerate, which is the first stable product formed during carbon fixation. In C3 photosynthesis, plants typically open their stomata to take in carbon dioxide. However, this can lead to water loss, especially in hot and dry conditions. As a result, C3 plants may struggle in extreme environments, while other types, like C4 and CAM plants, have adapted to minimize water loss and improve efficiency.