Which of the following carbohydrates is a direct product of photosynthesis?

• A. Glycogen.
• B. Chlorophyll.
• C. Lactose.
• D. Glucose.
• E. CO₂
• F. H₂O

Answer: (D)

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. The general equation for photosynthesis is: $\mathrm{6CO}{2}_{}+\mathrm{6H}{2}_{}O+\mathrm{light}\to C{6}_{}H{\mathrm{12}}_{}O{6}_{}+\mathrm{6O}{2}_{}$.
2. Identify the direct product of photosynthesis: The primary carbohydrate produced during photosynthesis is glucose ($C{6}_{}H{\mathrm{12}}_{}O{6}_{}$). This is the simplest sugar formed as a result of the process.
3. Eliminate incorrect options: Glycogen is a storage form of glucose in animals, not a product of photosynthesis. Chlorophyll is a pigment involved in capturing light energy, not a carbohydrate. Lactose is a disaccharide found in milk, not directly produced by photosynthesis. CO₂ and H₂O are reactants, not products.
4. Focus on the correct answer: Glucose is the correct answer because it is the carbohydrate synthesized during photosynthesis and serves as an energy source for plants and other organisms.
5. Conclude with the role of glucose: Glucose can be used immediately for energy or stored as starch in plants. It is also a building block for other carbohydrates like cellulose and sucrose.