How do plants recycle carbon during photosynthesis? (1 point)
• The carbon in oxygen molecules is recycled during photosynthesis.
• The carbon in carbon dioxide is recycled during photosynthesis.
• The carbon in water is recycled during photosynthesis.
The carbon in glucose is recycled during photosynthesis.
• The carbon in carbon dioxide is recycled during photosynthesis.
The correct answer is: The carbon in carbon dioxide is recycled during photosynthesis.
During photosynthesis, plants convert carbon dioxide from the air into glucose (a type of sugar) through a process called carbon fixation. This process involves converting carbon dioxide into organic carbon compounds, such as glucose, which can be used for energy and growth. Therefore, the carbon in carbon dioxide is recycled and utilized by plants during photosynthesis.
The correct answer is: The carbon in carbon dioxide is recycled during photosynthesis.
During photosynthesis, plants use sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to produce glucose (a sugar) and oxygen. The process occurs in specialized structures in plant cells called chloroplasts. Within the chloroplasts, there are pigments called chlorophyll that capture sunlight energy.
To understand how plants recycle carbon during photosynthesis, we need to look at the overall equation for photosynthesis:
6CO2 + 6H2O + sunlight → C6H12O6 (glucose) + 6O2
In this equation, carbon dioxide (CO2) is combined with water (H2O) and sunlight to produce glucose (C6H12O6) and oxygen (O2). Notice that the carbon atoms from carbon dioxide are incorporated into glucose, while the oxygen atoms are released as oxygen gas.
During the process, carbon dioxide is absorbed by plant leaves through tiny openings called stomata. Inside the chloroplasts, the carbon dioxide undergoes a series of chemical reactions, known as the Calvin Cycle, which converts the carbon dioxide into glucose.
In summary, plants recycle carbon during photosynthesis by converting carbon dioxide into glucose, which can then be used as a source of energy or stored for later use.