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 reactants required for photosynthesis in plants?
A
Oxygen ($\mathrm{O_2}$) and glucose ($\mathrm{C_6H_{12}O_6}$)
B
Nitrogen ($\mathrm{N_2}$) and water ($\mathrm{H_2O}$)
C
Carbon dioxide ($\mathrm{CO_2}$) 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: Recall the general equation for photosynthesis. Photosynthesis is the process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy, using carbon dioxide ($\mathrm{CO_2}$) and water ($\mathrm{H_2O}$) as reactants. The general equation is: $\mathrm{6CO_2 + 6H_2O + light \rightarrow C_6H_{12}O_6 + 6O_2}$.
Step 2: Identify the main reactants in the photosynthesis equation. From the equation, the reactants are carbon dioxide ($\mathrm{CO_2}$) and water ($\mathrm{H_2O}$), which are required for the process to occur.
Step 3: Understand why oxygen ($\mathrm{O_2}$) and glucose ($\mathrm{C_6H_{12}O_6}$) are not reactants. These are products of photosynthesis, not inputs. Oxygen is released as a byproduct, and glucose is synthesized as the main energy storage molecule.
Step 4: Clarify why nitrogen ($\mathrm{N_2}$) is not involved in photosynthesis. Nitrogen is essential for plant growth but is not a reactant in the photosynthesis process. It is primarily used in the synthesis of proteins and nucleic acids.
Step 5: Confirm the correct answer. Based on the photosynthesis equation and the roles of the molecules involved, the correct reactants required for photosynthesis are carbon dioxide ($\mathrm{CO_2}$) and water ($\mathrm{H_2O}$).