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Multiple Choice
Which molecules are inputs in the process of photosynthesis?
A
Oxygen ($\mathrm{O_2}$) and glucose ($\mathrm{C_6H_{12}O_6}$)
B
Glucose ($\mathrm{C_6H_{12}O_6}$) and water ($\mathrm{H_2O}$)
C
Carbon dioxide ($\mathrm{CO_2}$) and water ($\mathrm{H_2O}$)
D
Nitrogen ($\mathrm{N_2}$) and methane ($\mathrm{CH_4}$)
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Begin by understanding the process of photosynthesis. Photosynthesis is the process by which plants, algae, and some bacteria convert light energy into chemical energy stored in glucose. This process occurs in the chloroplasts of plant cells and involves two main stages: the light-dependent reactions and the Calvin cycle.
Step 2: Identify the inputs (reactants) required for photosynthesis. The chemical equation for photosynthesis is:
. This equation shows that carbon dioxide ($ ext{CO}_2$) and water ($ ext{H}_2 ext{O}$) are the inputs, along with light energy.
Step 3: Analyze why oxygen ($ ext{O}_2$) and glucose ($ ext{C}_6 ext{H}_{12} ext{O}_6$) are not inputs. These molecules are actually outputs (products) of photosynthesis, formed during the light-dependent reactions and the Calvin cycle.
Step 4: Consider why nitrogen ($ ext{N}_2$) and methane ($ ext{CH}_4$) are not involved. These molecules are not part of the photosynthesis process. Nitrogen is important for other biological processes like protein synthesis, and methane is unrelated to photosynthesis.
Step 5: Conclude that the correct inputs for photosynthesis are carbon dioxide ($ ext{CO}_2$) and water ($ ext{H}_2 ext{O}$), as these are the reactants used by plants to produce glucose and oxygen during the process.