Answered

Consider the formula for glucose: [tex]C_6H_{12}O_6[/tex]. In the process of photosynthesis, what supplies the hydrogen ([tex]H[/tex]) used in the formation of glucose?

A. light energy
B. carbon dioxide
C. chlorophyll
D. water



Answer :

To determine what supplies the hydrogen used in the formation of glucose during photosynthesis, let's first recall the overall equation for photosynthesis:

[tex]\[ 6CO_2 + 6H_2O + light \ energy \rightarrow C_6H_{12}O_6 + 6O_2 \][/tex]

In the process of photosynthesis, plants take in carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the atmosphere and water (H₂O) from the soil. The light energy absorbed by chlorophyll is used to convert these reactants into glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆) and oxygen (O₂).

Now, let’s analyze which component supplies the hydrogen:

- Light energy: Light energy acts as a catalyst; it induces the reaction but does not provide any atoms of hydrogen.
- Carbon dioxide (CO₂): The chemical formula of carbon dioxide is CO₂, meaning it contains carbon and oxygen but no hydrogen.
- Chlorophyll: Chlorophyll is the pigment in plants that absorbs light energy, but it is not a reactant in the formation of glucose and hence does not supply hydrogen.
- Water (H₂O): The chemical formula of water is H₂O, indicating it contains two hydrogen atoms for each oxygen atom.

Given that water is the only reactant that contains hydrogen, it is clear that water (H₂O) supplies the hydrogen used in the formation of glucose during photosynthesis.

Therefore, the correct answer is:

Water