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

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

Answer: (D)

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 reactants in this equation, which are the substances on the left side before the arrow: carbon dioxide (\(CO_2\)) and water (\(H_2O\)).
3. Recognize that light energy is also required but is not a chemical reactant; it provides the energy to drive the reaction.
4. Note that glucose (\(C_6H_{12}O_6\)) and oxygen (\(O_2\)) are the products formed as a result of the photosynthesis process.
5. Conclude that the correct reactants used to produce glucose and oxygen in oxygenic photosynthesis are carbon dioxide and water.