Which of the following lists the correct starting materials required for the process of photosynthesis?

• A. Carbon dioxide, water, and light energy
• B. Nitrogen, water, and ATP
• C. Glucose, carbon dioxide, and oxygen
• D. Oxygen, glucose, and light energy

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Begin by understanding the process of photosynthesis. Photosynthesis is the process by which plants, algae, and some bacteria convert light energy into chemical energy stored in glucose. This process occurs in the chloroplasts of plant cells.
2. Step 2: Recall the chemical equation for photosynthesis: ${6 \mathrm{CO}₂}_{}+{6 H₂O}_{} \to {C₆H₁O₆}_{}+{6 O₂}_{}$. This equation shows that carbon dioxide ($\mathrm{CO}₂$), water ($H₂O$), and light energy are the starting materials required for photosynthesis.
3. Step 3: Analyze the options provided in the question. Compare each option to the known starting materials for photosynthesis: carbon dioxide, water, and light energy.
4. Step 4: Eliminate incorrect options. For example, nitrogen, ATP, glucose, and oxygen are not starting materials for photosynthesis. Glucose and oxygen are products of photosynthesis, not reactants.
5. Step 5: Confirm that the correct answer is the option listing carbon dioxide, water, and light energy as the starting materials for photosynthesis.