Photosynthesis equation Which best represents the overall equation for photosynthesis? Multiple Choice 6 CO2+12 H2O + Light energy ? C6H12O6 +6 O2 + 6 H2O 12 H2O + Light energy ? C6H12O6 +6 O2 + 6 CO2 + 6 H2O O C6H12O6 +6 02 + 12 H2O + Light energy ?6 CO2 +12 H2O h 6 CO2 + Light energy C6H12O6 +6 O2 + 6 H2O 6 CO2 +12 H2O + Light energy ? C6H12O6 +6 02
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is:
6 CO₂ + 12 H₂O + Light energy → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6 O₂ + 6 H₂O
Explanation:
Photosynthesis is the process by which plants, algae, and some bacteria convert light energy into chemical energy, producing glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆) and oxygen (O₂) as byproducts. The overall balanced equation for photosynthesis is:
[
6 CO_2 + 12 H_2O + \text{light energy} → C_6H_{12}O_6 + 6 O_2 + 6 H_2O
]
This equation represents the transformation of carbon dioxide (CO₂) and water (H₂O) into glucose and oxygen, using light energy captured by chlorophyll in chloroplasts.
Breakdown of the Process:
- Light-Dependent Reactions: These occur in the thylakoid membranes of chloroplasts. Sunlight splits water molecules (H₂O) into oxygen (O₂), protons (H⁺), and electrons, generating ATP and NADPH, which are used in the next stage.
- Calvin Cycle (Light-Independent Reactions): This takes place in the stroma of chloroplasts. Carbon dioxide (CO₂) is fixed using ATP and NADPH to form glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆).
Why This Equation is Correct:
- The reactants are 6 molecules of CO₂ and 12 molecules of H₂O, which supply carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen for glucose synthesis.
- The products include glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆), oxygen (O₂), and 6 molecules of water.
- The 6 additional H₂O molecules appear in the products because some water is regenerated during the Calvin cycle.
This equation best represents the complete photosynthesis process occurring in plants.