Which of the following equations is the summary of photosynthesis?
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(c)
This equation encapsulates the fundamental process of photosynthesis, occurring predominantly in plants, algae, and certain bacteria:
1. The reactants, namely carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O), are the primary substrates for this reaction, which is essential for the synthesis of organic molecules.
2. Photosynthesis involves the utilization of solar energy to catalyze the transformation of carbon dioxide and water into glucose (C6H12O6), a vital energy-rich compound.
3. Additionally, the process generates oxygen (O2) as a byproduct, which is a crucial component for aerobic respiration in living organisms.
In essence, photosynthesis is a pivotal biological mechanism wherein carbon dioxide and water are converted into glucose and oxygen, as succinctly represented by the equation 6CO2 + 6H2O → C6H12O6 + 6O2.