Which of the following is the byproduct of photosynthesis?

• A. Oxygen (\(\mathrm{O_2}\))
• B. Carbon dioxide (\(\mathrm{CO_2}\))
• C. Water (\(\mathrm{H_2O}\))
• D. Glucose (\(\mathrm{C_6H_{12}O_6}\))

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the process of photosynthesis: Photosynthesis is the process by which plants, algae, and some bacteria convert light energy into chemical energy stored in glucose. This occurs in the chloroplasts of cells and involves two main stages: the light-dependent reactions and the Calvin cycle.
2. Identify the inputs of photosynthesis: The main reactants are carbon dioxide (\(\mathrm{CO_2}\)) and water (\(\mathrm{H_2O}\)), which are used to produce glucose (\(\mathrm{C_6H_{12}O_6}\)) and oxygen (\(\mathrm{O_2}\)). Light energy and chlorophyll are also essential for the process.
3. Examine the light-dependent reactions: During these reactions, light energy is used to split water molecules (\(\mathrm{H_2O}\)) into oxygen gas (\(\mathrm{O_2}\)), protons, and electrons. The oxygen gas is released as a byproduct into the atmosphere.
4. Understand the role of the Calvin cycle: The Calvin cycle uses the energy from ATP and NADPH (produced in the light-dependent reactions) to convert carbon dioxide (\(\mathrm{CO_2}\)) into glucose (\(\mathrm{C_6H_{12}O_6}\)). Glucose is the primary product of photosynthesis, but oxygen (\(\mathrm{O_2}\)) is the byproduct.
5. Conclude the answer: Based on the process of photosynthesis, oxygen (\(\mathrm{O_2}\)) is the byproduct released during the light-dependent reactions. The other options (carbon dioxide, water, and glucose) are either reactants or primary products of photosynthesis.