Which option correctly lists the reactants and products of oxygenic photosynthesis in plants (overall equation)?

• A. Reactants: $C_6{H}_{12}{O}_6$ and $6O_2$; Products: $6C_{\mathrm{O}}2$ and $6H_{2}O$
• B. Reactants: $6C_2{H}_{2}O$ and $6O_2$; Products: $6C_6{H}_{12}{O}_6$ and $6C_2{H}_{2}O$
• C. Reactants: $6C_{\mathrm{O}}2$ and $6H_{2}O$ (with light energy); Products: $C_6{H}_{12}{O}_6$ and $6O_2$
• D. Reactants: $6C_{\mathrm{O}}2$ and $6H_{2}O$; Products: $C_6{H}_{12}{O}_6$ and $6O_2$

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall the overall balanced chemical equation for oxygenic photosynthesis in plants, which converts carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen using light energy.
2. Identify the reactants in the photosynthesis equation: carbon dioxide (CO\_2) and water (H\_2O), along with light energy as a necessary input.
3. Identify the products of photosynthesis: glucose (C\_6H\_{12}O\_6) and oxygen (O\_2).
4. Write the balanced equation showing 6 molecules of carbon dioxide and 6 molecules of water as reactants producing 1 molecule of glucose and 6 molecules of oxygen:
5. \[6\ \mathrm{CO\_2} + 6\ \mathrm{H\_2O} + \text{light energy} \rightarrow \mathrm{C\_6H\_{12}O\_6} + 6\ \mathrm{O\_2}\]
6. Compare this equation to the options given and select the one that correctly lists the reactants as 6 CO\_2 and 6 H\_2O (with light energy) and the products as glucose and 6 O\_2.