Which process do plants use energy from sunlight to convert carbon dioxide and water into oxygen and glucose?

Which process do plants use energy from sunlight to convert carbon dioxide and water into oxygen and glucose?

• A. Respiration
• B. Photosynthesis
• C. Fermentation
• D. Decomposition

Answer: (B)

Plants use light energy to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen through photosynthesis. Chlorophyll in the chloroplasts captures sunlight and drives a two-stage process: the light-dependent reactions split water to release oxygen and produce energy carriers (ATP, NADPH), while the Calvin cycle uses those carriers to fix carbon dioxide into glucose. This is why energy from sunlight ends up stored as sugar and oxygen is released as a byproduct. The other processes involve breaking down sugars to release energy or breaking down organic matter, not building sugars from light energy.

Plants use light energy to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen through photosynthesis. Chlorophyll in the chloroplasts captures sunlight and drives a two-stage process: the light-dependent reactions split water to release oxygen and produce energy carriers (ATP, NADPH), while the Calvin cycle uses those carriers to fix carbon dioxide into glucose. This is why energy from sunlight ends up stored as sugar and oxygen is released as a byproduct. The other processes involve breaking down sugars to release energy or breaking down organic matter, not building sugars from light energy.