In oxygenic photosynthesis, which substances are the reactant inputs used to produce glucose and oxygen?

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

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the overall chemical equation for oxygenic photosynthesis, which converts light energy into chemical energy stored in glucose.
2. Recall that the general equation for oxygenic photosynthesis is: \$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. Identify the reactants (inputs) on the left side of the equation: carbon dioxide (\(\text{CO}_2\)) and water (\(\text{H}_2\text{O}\)).
4. Recognize that glucose (\(\text{C}_6\text{H}_{12}\text{O}_6\)) and oxygen (\(\text{O}_2\)) are the products formed on the right side of the equation.
5. Conclude that the substances used as reactant inputs in oxygenic photosynthesis to produce glucose and oxygen are carbon dioxide and water.