To determine the correct reactants of photosynthesis, let's review the basic process of photosynthesis in plants.
Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants and some other organisms use sunlight to synthesize foods with the assistance of chlorophyll. The general equation for photosynthesis in plants is:
[tex]\[ 6CO_2 + 6H_2O + light \ energy \rightarrow C_6H_{12}O_6 + 6O_2 \][/tex]
This equation tells us that the reactants (the substances that are consumed in the reaction) are carbon dioxide (CO[tex]\(_2\)[/tex]) and water (H[tex]\(_2\)[/tex]O). Therefore, examining the given options:
1. [tex]\( CO_2 + H_2O \)[/tex]
2. [tex]\( CO_2 + H_2O + ATP \)[/tex]
3. [tex]\( C_6H_{12}O_6 + O_2 \)[/tex]
4. [tex]\( C_6H_{12}O_6 + 6O_2 \)[/tex]
- The first option, [tex]\( CO_2 + H_2O \)[/tex], correctly lists the reactants of photosynthesis as carbon dioxide and water.
- The second option, [tex]\( CO_2 + H_2O + ATP \)[/tex], incorrectly includes ATP, which is not a reactant of photosynthesis but rather an energy currency in cells.
- The third option, [tex]\( C_6H_{12}O_6 + O_2 \)[/tex], lists the products of photosynthesis, namely glucose and oxygen, so it is not our correct reactant list.
- The fourth option, [tex]\( C_6H_{12}O_6 + 6O_2 \)[/tex], also lists the products of photosynthesis, but with the stoichiometry typically shown in the overall photosynthesis equation. It likewise is not the correct list of reactants.
Therefore, the correct answer is:
[tex]\[ CO_2 + H_2O \][/tex]
So, the reactants of photosynthesis are carbon dioxide and water.
