In oxygenic photosynthesis, what are the primary products formed from carbon dioxide and water using light energy?

• A. Lactic acid and ethanol
• B. ATP and NADPH as the final products released from the plant
• C. Glucose (sugar) and oxygen
• D. Carbon dioxide and water

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the process of oxygenic photosynthesis, which occurs in plants, algae, and cyanobacteria, where light energy is used to convert carbon dioxide (CO\_2) and water (H\_2O) into organic molecules and oxygen.
2. Step 2: Identify the reactants and products involved. The reactants are carbon dioxide and water, and the process uses light energy captured by chlorophyll.
3. Step 3: Recall the overall chemical equation for oxygenic photosynthesis: \$6\ \mathrm{CO}_2 + 6\ \mathrm{H}_2\mathrm{O} + \text{light energy} \rightarrow \mathrm{C}_6\mathrm{H}_{12}\mathrm{O}_6 + 6\ \mathrm{O}_2$.
4. Step 4: Recognize that the primary organic product formed is glucose (a sugar), and oxygen gas is released as a byproduct.
5. Step 5: Differentiate these products from other options such as lactic acid and ethanol (which are products of fermentation), or ATP and NADPH (which are energy carriers produced during the light-dependent reactions but not the final products released).