Final answer:
CO₂ supplies carbon for the synthesis of organic molecules in photosynthesis.
Step-by-step explanation:
The basic role of CO₂ in photosynthesis is to supply carbon for the synthesis of organic molecules. During the process of photosynthesis, carbon dioxide is taken in by plants and converted into sugars through carbon fixation. These sugars can then be used to create other organic molecules that organisms need, such as lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.