In oxygenic photosynthesis, which set correctly lists the three reactants required to produce glucose and oxygen?

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

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that oxygenic photosynthesis is the process by which plants, algae, and some bacteria convert light energy into chemical energy, producing glucose and oxygen as products.
2. Recall the general photosynthesis equation: \$6\,CO_2 + 6\,H_2O + light\ energy \rightarrow C_6H_{12}O_6 + 6\,O_2$.
3. Identify the reactants on the left side of the equation: carbon dioxide (\(CO_2\)), water (\(H_2O\)), and light energy.
4. Recognize that glucose (\(C_6H_{12}O_6\)) and oxygen (\(O_2\)) are the products, not reactants, so they should not be listed as reactants.
5. Conclude that the correct set of reactants required to produce glucose and oxygen in oxygenic photosynthesis is carbon dioxide, water, and light energy.