In the process of photosynthesis, which of the following remains unchanged from the beginning to the end of the process?

• A. The concentration of glucose
• B. The total amount of energy in the system
• C. The number of water molecules
• D. The amount of carbon dioxide

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Begin by understanding the concept of photosynthesis. Photosynthesis is the process by which plants, algae, and some bacteria convert light energy into chemical energy stored in glucose molecules. This process involves the transformation of energy and matter but adheres to the laws of conservation of energy and matter.
2. Step 2: Recall the law of conservation of energy, which states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed. In photosynthesis, light energy is converted into chemical energy, but the total amount of energy in the system remains constant throughout the process.
3. Step 3: Analyze the options provided. The concentration of glucose changes because glucose is synthesized during photosynthesis. The number of water molecules changes because water is consumed in the light-dependent reactions. The amount of carbon dioxide changes because carbon dioxide is used in the Calvin cycle to produce glucose.
4. Step 4: Compare the options to the principle of energy conservation. The total amount of energy in the system remains unchanged because energy is transformed rather than created or destroyed during photosynthesis.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the correct answer is 'The total amount of energy in the system,' as it aligns with the fundamental principle of energy conservation in biological processes.