Question

1. a student is constructing an explanation of the cycling of matter in and out of a plant during photosynthesis. which statement would be most useful for the student to include?

a. photosynthesis uses water, and releases carbon dioxide and oxygen.

b. photosynthesis uses oxygen and carbon dioxide, and releases water.

c. photosynthesis uses oxygen, and releases carbon dioxide and water.

d. photosynthesis uses carbon dioxide and water, and releases oxygen.

Explanation:

To determine the correct statement about photosynthesis, we recall the process of photosynthesis. The formula for photosynthesis is \(6CO_2 + 6H_2O \xrightarrow[\text{Chlorophyll}]{\text{Light Energy}} C_6H_{12}O_6 + 6O_2\). This means plants take in carbon dioxide (\(CO_2\)) and water (\(H_2O\)) and, using light energy and chlorophyll, produce glucose (\(C_6H_{12}O_6\)) and release oxygen (\(O_2\)).

• Option A: Photosynthesis does not release carbon dioxide; it takes it in. So A is incorrect.
• Option B: Photosynthesis does not use oxygen or release water in the way described. Respiration is the process that uses oxygen and releases carbon dioxide and water. So B is incorrect.
• Option C: Photosynthesis does not use oxygen; it releases oxygen. The process that uses oxygen and releases carbon dioxide is respiration. So C is incorrect.
• Option D: This matches the photosynthesis process: uses carbon dioxide and water, releases oxygen.

Answer:

D. Photosynthesis uses carbon dioxide and water, and releases oxygen.