Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video
Multiple Choice
Which of the following are the main substrates required for the process of photosynthesis in plants?
A
Carbon dioxide ($\mathrm{CO_2}$) and water ($\mathrm{H_2O}$)
B
Oxygen ($\mathrm{O_2}$) and glucose ($\mathrm{C_6H_{12}O_6}$)
C
Nitrogen ($\mathrm{N_2}$) and water ($\mathrm{H_2O}$)
D
Glucose ($\mathrm{C_6H_{12}O_6}$) and carbon dioxide ($\mathrm{CO_2}$)
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Begin by understanding the process of photosynthesis. Photosynthesis is the biochemical process by which plants, algae, and some bacteria convert light energy into chemical energy stored in glucose. This process primarily occurs in the chloroplasts of plant cells.
Step 2: Identify the main substrates required for photosynthesis. Photosynthesis requires carbon dioxide ($\mathrm{CO_2}$) from the atmosphere and water ($\mathrm{H_2O}$) absorbed by the roots from the soil. These substrates are essential for the light-dependent and light-independent reactions of photosynthesis.
Step 3: Recall the chemical equation for photosynthesis: $6\mathrm{CO_2} + 6\mathrm{H_2O} + \text{light energy} \rightarrow \mathrm{C_6H_{12}O_6} + 6\mathrm{O_2}$. 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: Analyze the options provided in the question. The correct substrates for photosynthesis are carbon dioxide ($\mathrm{CO_2}$) and water ($\mathrm{H_2O}$). Oxygen ($\mathrm{O_2}$) and glucose ($\mathrm{C_6H_{12}O_6}$) are products of photosynthesis, not substrates. Nitrogen ($\mathrm{N_2}$) is not involved in photosynthesis, and glucose ($\mathrm{C_6H_{12}O_6}$) is synthesized during the process rather than being a substrate.
Step 5: Conclude that the correct answer is carbon dioxide ($\mathrm{CO_2}$) and water ($\mathrm{H_2O}$), as these are the main substrates required for photosynthesis in plants.