In oxygenic photosynthesis, what three inputs are used to synthesize glucose (ignoring the chlorophyll pigment itself)?

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

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the process in question: oxygenic photosynthesis is the process by which plants, algae, and cyanobacteria convert light energy into chemical energy stored in glucose.
2. Recall the overall balanced chemical equation for oxygenic photosynthesis: \$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. From this equation, note the three main inputs required to synthesize glucose: carbon dioxide (\(\text{CO}_2\)), water (\(\text{H}_2\text{O}\)), and light energy.
4. Understand that oxygen (\(\text{O}_2\)) is actually a product of photosynthesis, not an input, so options including oxygen as an input are incorrect.
5. Conclude that the correct inputs for synthesizing glucose in oxygenic photosynthesis are carbon dioxide, water, and light energy.