To more accurately represent the process of photosynthesis, what must be added to the basic chemical equation: \$6\text{CO}_2 + 6\text{H}_2\text{O} \rightarrow \text{C}_6\text{H}_{12}\text{O}_6 + 6\text{O}_2$?

• A. Chlorophyll as a product
• B. NADPH as a reactant
• C. ATP as a product
• D. Light energy as a reactant

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Begin by understanding the basic chemical equation for photosynthesis: \$6\text{CO}_2 + 6\text{H}_2\text{O} \rightarrow \text{C}_6\text{H}_{12}\text{O}_6 + 6\text{O}_2$. This equation represents the transformation of carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen.
2. Step 2: Recognize that photosynthesis is a process that occurs in plants, algae, and some bacteria, and it requires energy input to drive the reaction. This energy comes from light, which is absorbed by chlorophyll molecules in the chloroplasts.
3. Step 3: Note that the basic equation does not explicitly include light energy, which is essential for the process. Light energy is absorbed and converted into chemical energy during the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis.
4. Step 4: Understand that light energy is a reactant in the photosynthesis process because it initiates the splitting of water molecules (\(\text{H}_2\text{O}\)) into oxygen (\(\text{O}_2\)), protons, and electrons. These electrons are then used in the production of ATP and NADPH during the light-dependent reactions.
5. Step 5: To more accurately represent the process of photosynthesis, light energy must be added as a reactant to the equation. The revised equation would be: \$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$.