Which statement accurately represents an endergonic reaction?

An endergonic reaction is characterized by its requirement for input energy to proceed, making it distinct from exergonic reactions, which release energy. In these reactions, the Gibbs free energy of the reactants is lower than that of the products, indicating that energy must be provided for the reaction to occur. For example, photosynthesis is an endergonic process where plants absorb energy from sunlight to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen.

This absorption of energy is essential for the transformation of reactants into products, as it drives the reaction in a direction that is not spontaneous under standard conditions. Thus, the correct statement about endergonic reactions is that they absorb energy to proceed.