The process of photosynthesis can be represented by the chemical formula
A) C6H12O6 + 6O2 → 6CO2 + 6H2O + energy
B) C6H12O6 + 6H20 → 6CO2 + 6H2O
C) 6CO2 +6H2O → C6H12O6 + 6O2
D) 6CO2 + H2O → C6H12O6 + 6O2 Elimi
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is C) 6CO2 + 6H2O → C6H12O6 + 6O2.
Explanation:
Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants, algae, and certain bacteria convert light energy into chemical energy, producing glucose (a sugar) and oxygen as by-products. This process occurs mainly in the chloroplasts of plant cells. The primary goal of photosynthesis is to create glucose, which serves as an energy source for the plant, while oxygen is released into the atmosphere.
The general equation for photosynthesis is:
[
6CO_2 + 6H_2O \xrightarrow{\text{light energy}} C_6H_{12}O_6 + 6O_2
]
- 6CO2 (carbon dioxide) is absorbed from the atmosphere by the plant leaves.
- 6H2O (water) is taken up by the roots and transported to the leaves.
- Light energy, usually from the sun, is absorbed by chlorophyll in the plant’s chloroplasts, which is used to power the reactions that convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen.
In this equation:
- C6H12O6 is glucose, a type of sugar used by the plant for energy and growth.
- 6O2 is oxygen, which is released as a by-product into the atmosphere, essential for the respiration of many organisms, including humans.
Why the other options are incorrect:
- Option A (C6H12O6 + 6O2 → 6CO2 + 6H2O + energy): This is the equation for cellular respiration, which is the process cells use to break down glucose and produce energy, not photosynthesis.
- Option B (C6H12O6 + 6H20 → 6CO2 + 6H2O): This is not a correct chemical reaction. It doesn’t represent any biological process in plants.
- Option D (6CO2 + H2O → C6H12O6 + 6O2): This equation is almost correct but is missing the second “6” in H2O, which represents the six molecules of water needed in the process of photosynthesis.
Thus, C) 6CO2 + 6H2O → C6H12O6 + 6O2 is the correct representation of photosynthesis.