Multiple Choice
How do plants obtain the carbon dioxide ($\mathrm{CO_2}$) required for photosynthesis?
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9. Photosynthesis
Introduction to Photosynthesis
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Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first videoMultiple Choice
Which component of Earth's atmosphere is decreased as a direct result of photosynthesis?
A
Oxygen (O$_2$)
B
Water vapor (H$_2$O)
C
Carbon dioxide (CO$_2$)
D
Nitrogen (N$_2$)
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the process of photosynthesis: Photosynthesis is the process by which plants, algae, and some bacteria convert light energy into chemical energy, using carbon dioxide (CO$_2$) and water (H$_2$O) to produce glucose (C$_6$H$_{12}$O$_6$) and oxygen (O$_2$).
Identify the reactants and products of photosynthesis: The reactants are carbon dioxide (CO$_2$) and water (H$_2$O), while the products are glucose (C$_6$H$_{12}$O$_6$) and oxygen (O$_2$).
Focus on the role of carbon dioxide (CO$_2$): During photosynthesis, carbon dioxide is absorbed from the atmosphere by plants and used in the Calvin cycle to form glucose. This directly decreases the concentration of CO$_2$ in the atmosphere.
Eliminate other options: Oxygen (O$_2$) is released as a byproduct of photosynthesis, so its concentration increases. Water vapor (H$_2$O) is used in the process but is not significantly decreased in the atmosphere. Nitrogen (N$_2$) is not involved in photosynthesis and remains unaffected.
Conclude that the correct answer is carbon dioxide (CO$_2$), as it is the atmospheric component directly decreased during photosynthesis.
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