In oxygenic photosynthesis in plants, which set of substances are the raw materials (reactants) used to produce sugars?

• A. Oxygen and glucose
• B. Glucose and water
• C. Carbon dioxide and water
• D. Carbon dioxide and oxygen

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that in oxygenic photosynthesis, plants convert light energy into chemical energy stored in sugars.
2. Identify the raw materials (reactants) that plants use in this process, which are the substances taken in to produce sugars.
3. Recall the general photosynthesis equation: \$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$.
4. From this equation, note that carbon dioxide (\(\text{CO}_2\)) and water (\(\text{H}_2\text{O}\)) are the reactants used to produce glucose (\(\text{C}_6\text{H}_{12}\text{O}_6\)) and oxygen (\(\text{O}_2\)).
5. Therefore, the correct set of raw materials (reactants) in oxygenic photosynthesis is carbon dioxide and water.