In oxygenic photosynthesis in plants, what are the main products produced from carbon dioxide and water using light energy?

• A. Carbon dioxide and water
• B. Glucose and carbon dioxide
• C. Glucose and oxygen
• D. Lactic acid and ATP

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the process of oxygenic photosynthesis, which occurs in plants, algae, and cyanobacteria. It uses light energy to convert carbon dioxide (CO\_2) and water (H\_2O) into organic molecules and oxygen.
2. Step 2: Recall the general photosynthesis equation: \$6\ \mathrm{CO}_2 + 6\ \mathrm{H}_2\mathrm{O} + \text{light energy} \rightarrow \mathrm{C}_6\mathrm{H}_{12}\mathrm{O}_6 + 6\ \mathrm{O}_2$. This shows that carbon dioxide and water are converted into glucose (C\_6H\_{12}O\_6) and oxygen (O\_2).
3. Step 3: Identify the main products formed from carbon dioxide and water in this process. The glucose is a carbohydrate that stores energy, and oxygen is released as a byproduct.
4. Step 4: Differentiate this from other processes such as lactic acid fermentation, which produces lactic acid and ATP but does not involve oxygen or photosynthesis.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the main products of oxygenic photosynthesis from carbon dioxide and water using light energy are glucose and oxygen.