The correct option for the process represented by the equation:
[ 6CO_2 + 6H_2O \rightarrow C_6H_{12}O_6 + 6O_2 ]
is
C. photosynthesis.
Detailed Explanation:
- Understanding the Equation:
- The equation shows that six molecules of carbon dioxide (CO(2)) and six molecules of water (H(_2)O) react to produce one molecule of glucose (C(_6)H({12})O(_6)) and six molecules of oxygen (O(_2)).
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This reaction occurs in the presence of sunlight and chlorophyll, which are essential for the process.
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What is Photosynthesis?:
- Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants, algae, and some bacteria convert light energy into chemical energy stored in glucose.
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It primarily occurs in the chloroplasts of plant cells, where chlorophyll captures sunlight.
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The Role of Sunlight and Chlorophyll:
- Sunlight provides the energy needed to drive the reaction. Chlorophyll, the green pigment in plants, absorbs light, particularly in the blue and red wavelengths, and uses that energy to convert CO(_2) and H(_2)O into glucose and O(_2).
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The oxygen produced is released into the atmosphere as a byproduct, which is essential for the survival of aerobic organisms.
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Why Other Options are Incorrect:
- A. Protein Synthesis: This is the process by which cells build proteins from amino acids based on the genetic instructions in DNA. It does not involve the conversion of CO(_2) and H(_2)O into glucose and oxygen, so it is not represented by the given equation.
- B. Respiration: Cellular respiration is the process by which organisms convert glucose and oxygen into energy (ATP), carbon dioxide, and water. The equation for respiration is the reverse of photosynthesis:
[ C_6H_{12}O_6 + 6O_2 \rightarrow 6CO_2 + 6H_2O + \text{energy (ATP)} ]
Thus, it does not match the given equation.
- D. Transpiration: This is the process by which water vapor is released from plant leaves into the atmosphere. It involves the movement of water through plants and does not involve the conversion of CO(_2) and H(_2)O into glucose and oxygen.
Summary of Key Points:
- Photosynthesis converts carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen using sunlight and chlorophyll.
- The equation represents the overall reaction of photosynthesis.
- Other processes like protein synthesis, respiration, and transpiration do not match the equation provided.
Revision Summary:
- Photosynthesis occurs in chloroplasts and requires sunlight and chlorophyll.
- The equation represents the conversion of CO(_2) and H(_2)O into glucose and O(_2).
- Respiration is the reverse process of photosynthesis.
- Transpiration is unrelated to the chemical transformation of CO(_2) and H(_2)O into glucose.