Which process uses energy from sunlight, carbon dioxide from air, and water to produce sugar and oxygen?

• A. The process of breaking down sugars for energy
• B. The process of transporting water through xylem
• C. The process of producing seeds
• D. Process of using energy from sunlight, carbon dioxide from air, and water to produce sugar and oxygen

Answer: (D)

Photosynthesis is the processPlants use light energy to turn carbon dioxide from the air and water from the soil into sugars, releasing oxygen in the process. In plant cells, chlorophyll in chloroplasts captures sunlight and drives two linked stages. First, light-dependent reactions use that light energy to split water, releasing oxygen and producing energy carriers (ATP and NADPH). Then the Calvin cycle uses those energy carriers to fix carbon dioxide into sugar molecules like glucose. The overall result can be summarized by the equation: 6 CO2 + 6 H2O + light energy → C6H12O6 + 6 O2. This is exactly what the question describes: using sunlight, CO2, and water to make sugar and oxygen.

The other processes listed don’t fit the description. Breaking down sugars for energy refers to cellular respiration, which consumes sugar to release energy rather than making sugar from CO2 and water. Transporting water through xylem is simply moving water through the plant, not converting energy or synthesizing sugars. Producing seeds is part of reproduction and growth, not the synthesis of sugars from light, CO2, and H2O.