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 products (outputs) of photosynthesis in plants?
A
ATP and NADH
B
Carbon dioxide (CO$_2$) and water (H$_2$O)
C
Glucose (C$_6$H$_{12}$O$_6$) and oxygen (O$_2$)
D
Lactic acid and ethanol
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 (C₆H₁₂O₆). This occurs in the chloroplasts of plant cells.
Step 2: Recall the general chemical equation for photosynthesis: 6CO₂ + 6H₂O + light energy → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂. This equation shows that carbon dioxide (CO₂) and water (H₂O) are the reactants, while glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆) and oxygen (O₂) are the main products.
Step 3: Understand the role of glucose and oxygen. Glucose serves as an energy-rich molecule that plants use for growth and metabolism, while oxygen is released as a byproduct into the atmosphere.
Step 4: Eliminate incorrect options. ATP and NADH are intermediate energy carriers in the process but are not final products. Carbon dioxide and water are reactants, not products. Lactic acid and ethanol are products of fermentation, not photosynthesis.
Step 5: Conclude that the correct answer is glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆) and oxygen (O₂), as these are the main outputs of photosynthesis in plants.