The process of photosynthesis is essential in the oxygen/carbon dioxide cycle. Photosynthesis removes ______ from the atmosphere and produces and releases ______ into the atmosphere.
Responses
A glucose, oxygenglucose, oxygen
B oxygen, glucoseoxygen, glucose
C carbon dioxide, oxygencarbon dioxide, oxygen
D oxygen, carbon dioxide
C carbon dioxide, oxygen
The correct answer is C: carbon dioxide, oxygen. Photosynthesis removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and produces and releases oxygen into the atmosphere.
The correct answer is D) oxygen, carbon dioxide.
To understand why this is the correct answer, let's break down the process of photosynthesis.
Photosynthesis is the process by which plants, algae, and some bacteria convert sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water into glucose (a sugar) and oxygen. This process takes place in the chloroplasts of plant cells.
During photosynthesis, carbon dioxide from the atmosphere enters the plant through tiny openings called stomata. Inside the chloroplasts, carbon dioxide molecules are combined with water molecules in a series of chemical reactions involving sunlight. This process is known as the light-dependent reactions and takes place in the thylakoid membranes of the chloroplasts.
Sunlight energy is used to split water molecules into hydrogen ions (H+) and oxygen gas (O2). The oxygen gas is released as a byproduct and diffuses out of the plant through the stomata, ultimately entering the atmosphere. So, photosynthesis removes oxygen from the plant and releases it into the atmosphere.
On the other hand, glucose production occurs during the light-independent reactions, also known as the Calvin cycle or dark reactions. In these reactions, carbon dioxide is converted into glucose with the help of energy from the light-dependent reactions. Glucose is a form of stored energy that plants use for growth and other metabolic processes.
In summary, during photosynthesis, oxygen is removed from the atmosphere and released into the air, while carbon dioxide is taken in from the air and converted into glucose in the plant. Therefore, the correct answer is D) oxygen, carbon dioxide.