In oxygenic photosynthesis in plants, which set lists the three reactants required for the overall process?

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

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the overall equation for oxygenic photosynthesis in plants, which converts light energy into chemical energy stored in glucose.
2. Step 2: Recall the general photosynthesis equation: \$6\ \text{CO}_2 + 6\ \text{H}_2\text{O} + \text{light energy} \rightarrow \text{C}_6\text{H}_{12}\text{O}_6 + 6\ \text{O}_2$.
3. Step 3: Identify the reactants on the left side of the equation, which are carbon dioxide (\(\text{CO}_2\)), water (\(\text{H}_2\text{O}\)), and light energy.
4. Step 4: Recognize that glucose (\(\text{C}_6\text{H}_{12}\text{O}_6\)) and oxygen (\(\text{O}_2\)) are products, not reactants, so they should not be included in the list of reactants.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the correct set of reactants required for oxygenic photosynthesis is carbon dioxide, water, and light energy.