In oxygenic photosynthesis in plants, which set of molecules are the reactants (inputs) used to produce glucose and oxygen?

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

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the overall chemical equation for oxygenic photosynthesis, which is typically written as: \$6\,CO_2 + 6\,H_2O + light \rightarrow C_6H_{12}O_6 + 6\,O_2$.
2. Identify the reactants (inputs) on the left side of the equation, which are the molecules that the plant uses to produce glucose and oxygen.
3. Note that carbon dioxide (\(CO_2\)) and water (\(H_2O\)) are the molecules taken in by the plant during photosynthesis.
4. Recognize that glucose (\(C_6H_{12}O_6\)) and oxygen (\(O_2\)) are the products formed as a result of the photosynthetic process.
5. Conclude that the correct set of reactants used to produce glucose and oxygen in oxygenic photosynthesis are carbon dioxide and water.