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Multiple Choice
Which of the following best describes the effect of sunlight on plant growth during photosynthesis?
A
Sunlight causes plants to absorb nitrogen from the air for protein synthesis.
B
Sunlight directly supplies plants with essential minerals needed for growth.
C
Sunlight provides the energy required for plants to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen.
D
Sunlight is only necessary for root development in plants.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the role of sunlight in photosynthesis: Sunlight is the primary energy source that drives the process of photosynthesis in plants. It enables plants to convert light energy into chemical energy stored in glucose molecules.
Recall the chemical equation for photosynthesis: . This equation shows how sunlight helps convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen.
Clarify the incorrect options: Sunlight does not directly supply minerals or nitrogen to plants. Minerals are absorbed from the soil, and nitrogen is fixed by certain bacteria or absorbed as nitrate/ammonium ions. Sunlight is also not limited to root development; it is essential for the entire plant's energy needs.
Focus on the correct option: Sunlight provides the energy required for the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis. These reactions occur in the chloroplasts, where sunlight excites electrons in chlorophyll molecules, leading to the production of ATP and NADPH.
Summarize the importance of sunlight: Sunlight is crucial for the synthesis of glucose, which serves as the primary energy source for plants and is used in cellular respiration and growth. It also produces oxygen as a byproduct, which is essential for life on Earth.