Question

two students discuss the process of photosynthesis. student 1 claims that sugar molecules are the only product produced by photosynthesis, thus the only product used by the plant to survive. student 2 claims that the products of photosynthesis can break down and combine with other elements to make organic molecules, which are vital for other cellular processes.
which student is correct, and why?
○ student 1 is correct because the sugar molecules are only used as food for the plant
○ student 1 is correct because the sugar molecules are the only product of photosynthesis
○ student 2 is correct because the sugar molecules are used to make products such as carbon dioxide and water
○ student 2 is correct because the sugar molecules are used to make other organic molecules such as amino acids and lipids

Explanation:

• Analyze Student 1's claim: Photosynthesis produces glucose (sugar) and oxygen. Also, sugar isn't only used as food; it's a building block for other molecules. So Student 1 is wrong.
• Analyze Student 2's claim: Glucose from photosynthesis can be used to synthesize other organic molecules like amino acids (by combining with nitrogen, etc.) and lipids. This supports cellular processes.
• Evaluate the options:
• First option: Incorrect, sugar has more uses than just food.
• Second option: Incorrect, photosynthesis also produces O₂.
• Third option: Incorrect, CO₂ and H₂O are reactants or products of respiration, not made from sugar for cellular processes in the way described.
• Fourth option: Correct, as sugar is used to make other organic molecules like amino acids and lipids.

Answer:

D. Student 2 is correct because the sugar molecules are used to make other organic molecules such as amino acids and lipids