During the process of photosynthesis, plants convert light energy into chemical energy to form glucose, which is a type of sugar. The formula for glucose is [tex]\( C_6H_{12}O_6 \)[/tex], indicating that it contains carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms.
1. Light Energy: While light energy is essential for photosynthesis to occur, it does not supply the hydrogen atoms in the glucose molecule. Instead, it provides the energy necessary to drive the reactions that convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen.
2. Carbon Dioxide (CO_2): Carbon dioxide contributes the carbon atoms in the glucose molecule. In the photosynthesis equation, carbon dioxide is one of the reactants:
[tex]\[
6CO_2 + 6H_2O \rightarrow C_6H_{12}O_6 + 6O_2
\][/tex]
However, it does not supply the hydrogen atoms.
3. Chlorophyll: Chlorophyll is a green pigment found in plant cells, responsible for capturing light energy and facilitating the photosynthesis process. While it is crucial for capturing light energy, it does not contribute hydrogen atoms to the glucose molecule.
4. Water (H_2O): Water is the molecule that provides the hydrogen atoms needed to form glucose. During the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis, water molecules are split into oxygen, protons, and electrons. The hydrogen atoms (protons and electrons) from the water are then used in the later stages of photosynthesis to help form glucose.
Therefore, water is the source that supplies the hydrogen used in the formation of glucose during photosynthesis.
