In plants, algae, and cyanobacteria, what is the main result of photosynthesis?

• A. Breakdown of sugars into pyruvate to generate ATP without requiring oxygen
• B. Movement of water and dissolved minerals from roots to leaves through the xylem
• C. Conversion of light energy into chemical energy stored in sugars (such as glucose), with oxygen released as a byproduct
• D. Conversion of chemical energy in glucose into ATP, producing carbon dioxide and water

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the organisms involved: plants, algae, and cyanobacteria are all photosynthetic organisms capable of converting light energy into chemical energy.
2. Recall the overall purpose of photosynthesis, which is to capture light energy and convert it into a stable chemical form that the organism can use for growth and metabolism.
3. Understand the general photosynthesis equation: \$6 \text{CO}_2 + 6 \text{H}_2\text{O} + \text{light energy} \rightarrow C_6H_{12}O_6 + 6 \text{O}_2$, where carbon dioxide and water are converted into glucose and oxygen using light energy.
4. Recognize that the main product of photosynthesis is glucose (a sugar), which stores chemical energy, and oxygen is released as a byproduct.
5. Distinguish photosynthesis from other processes such as cellular respiration (which breaks down glucose to produce ATP) and water transport (which involves xylem), confirming that the main result of photosynthesis is the conversion of light energy into chemical energy stored in sugars with oxygen released.