Which of the following statements is true regarding the ability of the body to derive all essential nutrients from photosynthesis?

• A. Humans cannot derive all essential nutrients from photosynthesis because they lack the necessary cellular machinery.
• B. Photosynthesis in humans provides all amino acids and vitamins required for survival.
• C. The human body can convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose through photosynthesis.
• D. Humans can perform photosynthesis and obtain all essential nutrients directly from sunlight.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the process of photosynthesis. Photosynthesis is a process used by plants, algae, and some bacteria to convert light energy, carbon dioxide (CO₂), and water (H₂O) into glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆) and oxygen (O₂). This process occurs in chloroplasts, which contain the pigment chlorophyll. Humans do not have chloroplasts or chlorophyll, so they cannot perform photosynthesis.
2. Step 2: Analyze the statement 'Humans cannot derive all essential nutrients from photosynthesis because they lack the necessary cellular machinery.' This is true because humans do not have the cellular structures (e.g., chloroplasts) required for photosynthesis. Instead, humans obtain nutrients by consuming food.
3. Step 3: Evaluate the statement 'Photosynthesis in humans provides all amino acids and vitamins required for survival.' This is false because humans do not perform photosynthesis. Amino acids and vitamins are obtained through diet, not through photosynthesis.
4. Step 4: Examine the statement 'The human body can convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose through photosynthesis.' This is false because humans lack the ability to perform photosynthesis. Glucose is obtained from dietary carbohydrates, not synthesized from CO₂ and H₂O in the human body.
5. Step 5: Assess the statement 'Humans can perform photosynthesis and obtain all essential nutrients directly from sunlight.' This is false because humans cannot perform photosynthesis. Essential nutrients, including amino acids, vitamins, and minerals, must be obtained through food consumption.