Chapter EH, Problem 46R

Solution

Interpretation : The molecule that is the source of oxygen atoms for oxygen production during photosynthesis is to be identified.

Concept Introduction : Phototrophs transform light energy into chemical energy through a process called photosynthesis, which is then used to power cellular processes.

The molecule that is the source of oxygen atoms for oxygen production during photosynthesis is water.

Photosynthesis is the main source of oxygen in the atmosphere. Sunlight is used by photosynthesizing organisms, such as plants and cyanobacteria, to oxidize water.

The outcome is oxygen and hydrogen ions.

Because they require light energy to continue, the processes that take place during this phase of photosynthesis are known as light reactions.

The hydrogen ions produced during the light reactions of photosynthesis combine with carbon dioxide to generate glucose during the dark reactions.

Following is the general reaction to photosynthesis:

  ${\text{6H}}_{\text{2}}\text{O}\text{+}{\text{6CO}}_{\text{2}}\to {\text{C}}_{\text{6}}{\text{H}}_{\text{12}}{\text{O}}_{\text{6}}\text{+}{\text{6O}}_{\text{2}}$

Water acts as a source of photosynthesis.