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Multiple Choice
Which of the following two substrates do plants need for photosynthesis to occur?
A
Glucose ($\mathrm{C_6H_{12}O_6}$) and carbon dioxide ($\mathrm{CO_2}$)
B
Nitrogen ($\mathrm{N_2}$) and water ($\mathrm{H_2O}$)
C
Carbon dioxide ($\mathrm{CO_2}$) and water ($\mathrm{H_2O}$)
D
Oxygen ($\mathrm{O_2}$) and glucose ($\mathrm{C_6H_{12}O_6}$)
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the process of photosynthesis. Photosynthesis is the process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy stored in glucose. This process occurs in the chloroplasts and requires specific substrates.
Step 2: Identify the substrates required for photosynthesis. Plants use carbon dioxide ($\mathrm{CO_2}$) from the air and water ($\mathrm{H_2O}$) absorbed through their roots as the primary substrates for photosynthesis.
Step 3: Recall the chemical equation for photosynthesis: $\mathrm{6CO_2 + 6H_2O + light \rightarrow C_6H_{12}O_6 + 6O_2}$. This equation shows that carbon dioxide and water are converted into glucose ($\mathrm{C_6H_{12}O_6}$) and oxygen ($\mathrm{O_2}$) using light energy.
Step 4: Eliminate incorrect options. Glucose ($\mathrm{C_6H_{12}O_6}$) and oxygen ($\mathrm{O_2}$) are products of photosynthesis, not substrates. Nitrogen ($\mathrm{N_2}$) is not involved in the photosynthesis process.
Step 5: Conclude that the correct substrates required for photosynthesis are carbon dioxide ($\mathrm{CO_2}$) and water ($\mathrm{H_2O}$). These are essential for the plant to produce glucose and oxygen during photosynthesis.