In oxygenic photosynthesis in plants, which set of molecules are the primary products of the overall reaction?

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

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the overall process of oxygenic photosynthesis, which occurs in plants and involves converting light energy into chemical energy stored in glucose.
2. Step 2: Recall the general equation for oxygenic photosynthesis: \$6 \text{CO}_2 + 6 \text{H}_2\text{O} + \text{light energy} \rightarrow C_6H_{12}O_6 + 6 \text{O}_2$.
3. Step 3: Identify the reactants on the left side of the equation: carbon dioxide (\(\text{CO}_2\)), water (\(\text{H}_2\text{O}\)), and light energy.
4. Step 4: Identify the products on the right side of the equation: glucose (\(C_6H_{12}O_6\)) and oxygen (\(\text{O}_2\)).
5. Step 5: Conclude that the primary products of oxygenic photosynthesis are glucose and oxygen, which are produced from carbon dioxide and water using light energy.