In oxygenic photosynthesis, which substances are the reactants (inputs) used to produce glucose and oxygen?

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

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 \ energy \rightarrow C_6H_{12}O_6 + 6\,O_2$.
2. Identify the substances on the left side of the equation, which represent the reactants (inputs) used by the plant to produce glucose and oxygen.
3. Recognize that carbon dioxide (\(CO_2\)) and water (\(H_2O\)) are the reactants that enter the photosynthetic process.
4. Note that glucose (\(C_6H_{12}O_6\)) and oxygen (\(O_2\)) are the products formed as a result of photosynthesis.
5. Conclude that the correct reactants used to produce glucose and oxygen in oxygenic photosynthesis are carbon dioxide and water.