Which process converts carbon dioxide (\(\mathrm{CO_2}\)) and water (\(\mathrm{H_2O}\)) into glucose (\(\mathrm{C_6H_{12}O_6}\)) and oxygen (\(\mathrm{O_2}\))?

• A. Glycolysis
• B. Cellular respiration
• C. Fermentation
• D. Photosynthesis

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the question: The problem asks which biological process converts carbon dioxide (\(\mathrm{CO_2}\)) and water (\(\mathrm{H_2O}\)) into glucose (\(\mathrm{C_6H_{12}O_6}\)) and oxygen (\(\mathrm{O_2}\)). This is a key concept in plant biology.
2. Recall the definition of photosynthesis: Photosynthesis is the process by which plants, algae, and some bacteria use sunlight to synthesize glucose (\(\mathrm{C_6H_{12}O_6}\)) from carbon dioxide (\(\mathrm{CO_2}\)) and water (\(\mathrm{H_2O}\)), releasing oxygen (\(\mathrm{O_2}\)) as a byproduct.
3. Write the chemical equation for photosynthesis: \$6\mathrm{CO_2} + 6\mathrm{H_2O} + \text{light energy} \rightarrow \mathrm{C_6H_{12}O_6} + 6\mathrm{O_2}$. This equation summarizes the transformation of reactants into products during photosynthesis.
4. Compare photosynthesis with the other processes listed: Glycolysis, cellular respiration, and fermentation are processes that break down glucose to release energy, whereas photosynthesis builds glucose from simpler molecules using light energy.
5. Conclude that photosynthesis is the correct answer: Based on the chemical equation and the nature of the process, photosynthesis is the only process that converts \(\mathrm{CO_2}\) and \(\mathrm{H_2O}\) into glucose and oxygen.