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Multiple Choice
Which of the following is required for photosynthesis to take place?
A
Oxygen ($\mathrm{O_2}$)
B
Methane ($\mathrm{CH_4}$)
C
Nitrogen ($\mathrm{N_2}$)
D
Carbon dioxide ($\mathrm{CO_2}$)
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. This process requires specific reactants.
Identify the key reactants in photosynthesis: The primary reactants are carbon dioxide ($\mathrm{CO_2}$) and water ($\mathrm{H_2O}$), along with light energy absorbed by chlorophyll pigments.
Recall the chemical equation for photosynthesis: The general equation is $6\mathrm{CO_2} + 6\mathrm{H_2O} + \text{light energy} \rightarrow \mathrm{C_6H_{12}O_6} + 6\mathrm{O_2}$. This shows that carbon dioxide ($\mathrm{CO_2}$) is essential for the process.
Eliminate incorrect options: Oxygen ($\mathrm{O_2}$) is a product of photosynthesis, not a reactant. Methane ($\mathrm{CH_4}$) and nitrogen ($\mathrm{N_2}$) are not involved in the photosynthetic process.
Conclude that carbon dioxide ($\mathrm{CO_2}$) is required for photosynthesis to take place, as it is one of the reactants used to produce glucose and oxygen.