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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 (\(\mathrm{CO_2}\))
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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 (\(\mathrm{H_2O}\)).