What type of energy is required to initiate the process of photosynthesis?

• A. Light energy
• B. Chemical energy
• C. Thermal energy
• D. Mechanical energy

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that photosynthesis is the process by which green plants, algae, and some bacteria convert light energy into chemical energy stored in glucose.
2. Recognize that the energy required to initiate photosynthesis comes from sunlight, which is absorbed by chlorophyll in the chloroplasts of plant cells.
3. Identify that the absorbed light energy is used to split water molecules into oxygen, protons, and electrons in a process called photolysis.
4. Acknowledge that the electrons and protons are then used in the Calvin cycle to convert carbon dioxide into glucose, storing the energy in chemical bonds.
5. Conclude that the type of energy required to initiate photosynthesis is light energy, as it is the initial energy source that drives the entire process.