What are the reactants of photosynthesis?

• A. Sunlight, carbon dioxide and water
• B. Glucose and Oxygen
• C. Carbon dioxide and oxygen
• D. Sunlight and glucose

Answer: (A)

Photosynthesis uses light energy to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen. The starting materials, or reactants, are carbon dioxide and water, with light providing the energy to drive the process. The overall equation shows six carbon dioxide and six water molecules plus light energy producing one glucose molecule and six oxygen molecules. So the reactants are carbon dioxide, water, and light energy. Glucose and oxygen are the products. The other options mix in products or omit essential ingredients like water or light.