Which statement best describes the nature of photosynthesis?

• A. A process in which sunlight directly creates ATP in the cytosol without requiring carbon dioxide or water
• B. A process in which cells obtain energy by breaking down proteins into amino acids to fuel ATP production
• C. A process in which chemical energy in glucose is converted into ATP through the consumption of oxygen and the release of carbon dioxide
• D. A process in which light energy is converted into chemical energy by producing sugars from carbon dioxide and water, releasing oxygen as a byproduct

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the overall process of photosynthesis, which is a biochemical pathway used by plants, algae, and some bacteria to convert light energy into chemical energy.
2. Step 2: Recognize that photosynthesis involves the intake of carbon dioxide (CO\_2) and water (H\_2O) as raw materials.
3. Step 3: Know that light energy from the sun is captured by pigments like chlorophyll and used to drive the synthesis of glucose (a sugar) and oxygen (O\_2) is released as a byproduct.
4. Step 4: Recall the general equation for photosynthesis: \$6\,CO\_2 + 6\,H\_2O + light \ energy \rightarrow C\_6H\_{12}O\_6 + 6\,O\_2$.
5. Step 5: Compare the given statements to this understanding and identify the one that correctly describes photosynthesis as the conversion of light energy into chemical energy by producing sugars from carbon dioxide and water, releasing oxygen.