Which option correctly identifies the main inputs and outputs of oxygenic photosynthesis in plants?

• A. Inputs: glucose and $H_{2}O$; Outputs: ${\mathrm{CO}}_2$ and ATP
• B. Inputs: $O_2$ and glucose; Outputs: ${\mathrm{CO}}_2$ and $H_{2}O$ (using light energy)
• C. Inputs: ${\mathrm{CO}}_2$ and $H_{2}O$ (using light energy); Outputs: $C_6{H}_{12}{O}_6$ and $O_2$
• D. Inputs: $N_2$ and $H_2$; Outputs: ammonia and $O_2$

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall that oxygenic photosynthesis is the process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy, producing glucose and oxygen as products.
2. Identify the main inputs of oxygenic photosynthesis: carbon dioxide (\(\mathrm{CO_2}\)) from the air and water (\(\mathrm{H_2O}\)) absorbed by the roots, along with light energy captured by chlorophyll.
3. Recognize the main outputs of this process: glucose (\(\mathrm{C_6H_{12}O_6}\)), which is a sugar used for energy and growth, and oxygen (\(\mathrm{O_2}\)), which is released into the atmosphere.
4. Understand that the overall balanced chemical equation for oxygenic photosynthesis is: \$6\ \mathrm{CO_2} + 6\ \mathrm{H_2O} + \text{light energy} \rightarrow \mathrm{C_6H_{12}O_6} + 6\ \mathrm{O_2}$.
5. Use this knowledge to evaluate the options and select the one that correctly lists \(\mathrm{CO_2}\) and \(\mathrm{H_2O}\) as inputs (with light energy) and glucose and \(\mathrm{O_2}\) as outputs.