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The process by which plants make their food using sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide is known as:
Respiration
Transpiration
Photosynthesis
Fermentation
Photosynthesis
Photosynthesis is the biochemical process by which green plants, algae, and some bacteria convert light energy into chemical energy. Using sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide, these organisms synthesize glucose as food and release oxygen as a byproduct.
Photosynthesis is the biochemical process by which green plants, algae, and some bacteria convert light energy into chemical energy. Using sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide, these organisms synthesize glucose as food and release oxygen as a byproduct.
Think of a plant leaf as a solar-powered kitchen where sunlight acts as electricity, and carbon dioxide and water are the raw ingredients combined to bake energy-rich sugar for food.
COW-S: Carbon dioxide, Oxygen, Water, Sunlight for Photosynthesis
6CO2тАЛ+6H2тАЛOSunlightтАЛC6тАЛH12тАЛO6тАЛ+6O2тАЛ тАФ Overall balanced chemical equation for photosynthesis
Light energy is captured by chlorophyll pigments located in the chloroplasts of plant cells. This energy drives the photolysis of water molecules, generating oxygen, protons, and electrons, which subsequently power the Calvin cycle to fix carbon dioxide into carbohydrates.
Takes place primarily in the chloroplasts of plant leaves.
Chlorophyll is the green pigment essential for absorbing light energy.
Oxygen is released into the atmosphere as a waste product.
Produces food energy for nearly all life forms on Earth.
Maintains atmospheric oxygen levels and reduces carbon dioxide.
Crop production and agriculture
Biofuel generation research
Option A (Respiration) is the process of breaking down glucose to release energy, which occurs in both plants and animals.
Option B (Transpiration) is the loss of water vapor from the aerial parts of plants.
Option D (Fermentation) is an anaerobic pathway for breaking down glucose without oxygen.
C is correct тАФ Photosynthesis is the vital biological process through which green plants utilize sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to produce glucose and oxygen.
In competitive exams, remember that photosynthesis converts solar energy into chemical energy, whereas cellular respiration does the reverse by releasing that stored chemical energy.