Which combination of inputs is required for photosynthesis in oxygenic photoautotrophs such as plants?

• A. Light energy, oxygen ($O_2$), and glucose ($C_6{H}_{12}{O}_6$)
• B. Light energy, carbon dioxide ($C_0$$O_2$), and water ($H_{2}O$)
• C. Oxygen ($O_2$), glucose ($C_6{H}_{12}{O}_6$), and water ($H_{2}O$)
• D. Carbon dioxide ($C_0$$O_2$), oxygen ($O_2$), and nitrogen gas ($N_2$)

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall the overall process of photosynthesis in oxygenic photoautotrophs like plants, which converts light energy into chemical energy stored in glucose.
2. Identify the key reactants required for photosynthesis: plants need light energy, carbon dioxide (CO\_2), and water (H\_2O) as inputs.
3. Understand that oxygen (O\_2) and glucose (C\_6H\_{12}O\_6) are actually products of photosynthesis, not inputs.
4. Recognize the general photosynthesis equation: 6CO\_2 + 6H\_2O + light energy \rightarrow C\_6H\_{12}O\_6 + 6O\_2.
5. Conclude that the correct combination of inputs required for photosynthesis is light energy, carbon dioxide (CO\_2), and water (H\_2O).