Final answer:
The molecule C6H12O6 created by photosynthesis is glucose (D), which is used by the plant for energy and as a precursor for storing energy in carbohydrates. Oxygen, the other product, is essential for animal life.
Step-by-step explanation:
The molecule C6H12O6 produced after photosynthesis is known as glucose. This is the correct answer to the student's question, which refers to option D) glucose. Photosynthesis is a process that converts carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O) into glucose and oxygen (O2) using sunlight's energy. This can be summarized by the chemical equation: 6CO2 + 6H2O → C6H12O6 + 6O2. The glucose serves as an energy source for the plant, often getting stored in the form of large carbohydrates such as starch. Meanwhile, oxygen, a byproduct of this process, is important for supporting life on Earth as it is used by animals, including humans, for respiration.
The overall reaction of photosynthesis involves light reactions and the Calvin cycle, producing two main products: sugars/carbohydrates and oxygen. The energy for this process is provided by ATP, and glucose is later used to generate ATP during cellular respiration, which is the reverse reaction of photosynthesis. In cellular respiration, glucose and oxygen are used to create energy for the cell, and carbon dioxide and water are released as waste products.