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Multiple Choice
Which of the following are the main products of photosynthesis in plants?
A
Lactic acid and ethanol
B
Carbon dioxide (CO$_2$) and water (H$_2$O)
C
ATP and NADH
D
Glucose (C$_6$H$_{12}$O$_6$) and oxygen (O$_2$)
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the process of photosynthesis: Photosynthesis is the process by which plants, algae, and some bacteria convert light energy into chemical energy stored in glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆). This process occurs in the chloroplasts of plant cells and involves two main stages: the light-dependent reactions and the Calvin cycle (light-independent reactions).
Identify the reactants of photosynthesis: The main reactants are carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the atmosphere and water (H₂O) absorbed by the plant's roots. These reactants are used to produce glucose and oxygen.
Write the overall chemical equation for photosynthesis: The balanced equation is: 6CO₂ + 6H₂O + light energy → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂. This shows that six molecules of carbon dioxide and six molecules of water, in the presence of light energy, produce one molecule of glucose and six molecules of oxygen.
Clarify the main products: From the equation, the main products of photosynthesis are glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆), which serves as an energy source for the plant, and oxygen (O₂), which is released into the atmosphere as a byproduct.
Eliminate incorrect options: Lactic acid and ethanol are products of fermentation, not photosynthesis. Carbon dioxide and water are reactants, not products. ATP and NADH are intermediate energy carriers in the light-dependent reactions but are not the final products. Therefore, the correct answer is glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆) and oxygen (O₂).