Question

What two products result from photosynthesis? a. water and carbon dioxide b. water and oxygen c. glucose and oxygen d. glucose and carbon dioxide

Short answer

The two products that result from photosynthesis are glucose and oxygen. Therefore, the correct answer is option c: glucose and oxygen.

Step-by-step solution

Recall the photosynthesis process

Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants, algae and some bacteria convert light energy into chemical energy in the form of glucose (a sugar molecule) and oxygen. Carbon dioxide and water are used as raw materials in this process. The general equation for photosynthesis is: \( 6 CO_2 + 6 H_2O + \textit{light energy} \rightarrow C_6H_{12}O_6 + 6 O_2 \) where: - \(6 CO_2\) represents 6 molecules of Carbon dioxide - \(6 H_2O\) represents 6 molecules of Water - \(C_6H_{12}O_6\) represents 1 molecule of Glucose - \(6 O_2\) represents 6 molecules of Oxygen

Identify the products of photosynthesis

From the equation, we can see that photosynthesis results in the formation of glucose (C_6H_{12}O_6) and oxygen (O_2). In other words, glucose and oxygen are the two final products of photosynthesis. Now, let's check the given options to see which one matches our finding. a. water and carbon dioxide b. water and oxygen c. glucose and oxygen d. glucose and carbon dioxide

Choose the correct option

We found that glucose and oxygen are the two products of photosynthesis. So, the correct answer is option c: glucose and oxygen.

Key concepts

Photosynthesis Equation

Photosynthesis is the crucial process that plants use to convert light energy into chemical energy. Delving into the heart of plant biology, we encounter the photosynthesis equation:

\( 6 CO_2 + 6 H_2O + light energy \rightarrow C_6H_{12}O_6 + 6 O_2 \)

This equation is a simplified representation of this complex process, where:

• \(6 CO_2\) signifies six molecules of carbon dioxide.
• \(6 H_2O\) signifies six molecules of water.
• \(C_6H_{12}O_6\) is the chemical formula for glucose.
• \(6 O_2\) denotes six molecules of oxygen.

Under the influence of light energy, absorbed by pigments like chlorophyll in the plant cells, carbon dioxide and water undergo a series of reactions to produce glucose and oxygen, the life-supporting substances for many organisms on Earth.

Glucose Formation

Glucose formation is the centerpiece of photosynthesis, forming the basis for plant nutrition and energy storage. Glucose, a simple sugar with the molecular formula \(C_6H_{12}O_6\), serves as an important energy source for plants and, by extension, for many other organisms up the food chain.

Energy Conversion and Storage

Plants efficiently convert solar energy into the bonds of the glucose molecule, which can later be broken down through cellular respiration to fuel plant growth and development. The synthesized glucose is either used directly to provide energy, converted into starch for long-term storage, or incorporated into cellulose, which strength to the plant structure.

Oxygen Production

Oxygen production is a vital by-product of the photosynthesis process. The splitting of water molecules, a process known as photolysis, is fundamental to the generation of oxygen during photosynthesis.

Maintaining Life on Earth

The oxygen released serves a dual purpose; it is essential for plant respiration, and more broadly, it plays a critical role in sustaining aerobic life on Earth. This oxygen sustains myriad ecosystems by supporting aerobic respiration in animals, including humans, thus cementing the importance of photosynthesis far beyond plant biology.

Plant Biology

Plant biology, or botany, encompasses the study of plant life including their structure, growth, reproduction, metabolism, development, diseases, and chemical properties, and their evolution within the biosphere. As such, understanding photosynthesis is fundamental, as it is directly linked to plant growth, energy production, and ecological balance.

Adaptations to Photosynthesis

Plants have adapted to optimize photosynthesis; they have specialized structures like leaves with a large surface area to absorb more light, and stomata to regulate gas exchange. The chloroplasts within plant cells where photosynthesis takes place contain chlorophyll and other pigments to capture light effectively. This process, ultimately leading to the production of glucose and oxygen, is ingeniously adapted by different species to suit a variety of ecological niches.