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Multiple Choice
Which of the following are the main reactants (raw materials) required for photosynthesis in plants?
A
Nitrogen ($\mathrm{N_2}$) and water ($\mathrm{H_2O}$)
B
Oxygen ($\mathrm{O_2}$) and glucose ($\mathrm{C_6H_{12}O_6}$)
C
Glucose ($\mathrm{C_6H_{12}O_6}$) and carbon dioxide ($\mathrm{CO_2}$)
D
Carbon dioxide ($\mathrm{CO_2}$) and water ($\mathrm{H_2O}$)
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Begin by understanding 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 of plant cells and requires specific reactants.
Step 2: Recall the chemical equation for photosynthesis: . This equation shows that carbon dioxide ($\mathrm{CO_2}$) and water ($\mathrm{H_2O}$) are the raw materials required for photosynthesis.
Step 3: Analyze the options provided in the problem. Nitrogen ($\mathrm{N_2}$) and water ($\mathrm{H_2O}$) are not correct because nitrogen is not involved in the photosynthesis reaction. Oxygen ($\mathrm{O_2}$) and glucose ($\mathrm{C_6H_{12}O_6}$) are products of photosynthesis, not reactants. Glucose ($\mathrm{C_6H_{12}O_6}$) and carbon dioxide ($\mathrm{CO_2}$) are incorrect because glucose is a product, not a reactant.
Step 4: Identify the correct answer based on the chemical equation and the analysis of the options. The correct reactants for photosynthesis are carbon dioxide ($\mathrm{CO_2}$) and water ($\mathrm{H_2O}$). These are the raw materials that plants use to produce glucose and oxygen.
Step 5: Conclude by emphasizing the importance of light energy and chlorophyll in photosynthesis. While carbon dioxide and water are the main reactants, light energy drives the reaction, and chlorophyll absorbs the light energy to facilitate the process.