In oxygenic photosynthesis in plants, which set correctly lists the overall inputs (reactants) and outputs (products)?

• A. Inputs: carbon dioxide and water; Outputs: glucose and oxygen
• B. Inputs: carbon dioxide and glucose; Outputs: water and oxygen
• C. Inputs: oxygen and water; Outputs: carbon dioxide and glucose
• D. Inputs: glucose and oxygen; Outputs: carbon dioxide and water

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the process of oxygenic photosynthesis, which occurs in plants and involves converting light energy into chemical energy stored in glucose.
2. Step 2: Identify the main reactants (inputs) used by plants during photosynthesis. These are carbon dioxide (CO\_2) from the air and water (H\_2O) absorbed by roots.
3. Step 3: Recognize the products (outputs) of photosynthesis. Plants produce glucose (C\_6H\_12O\_6) as an energy source and release oxygen (O\_2) as a byproduct.
4. Step 4: Recall the overall balanced chemical equation for oxygenic photosynthesis: \$6CO\_2 + 6H\_2O \rightarrow C\_6H\_{12}O\_6 + 6O\_2$.
5. Step 5: Match the given options to this equation to determine that the correct set of inputs and outputs is: Inputs: carbon dioxide and water; Outputs: glucose and oxygen.