Final answer:
Oxygen release from the stomata during photosynthesis does not require immediate sunlight as it is part of the light-independent reactions (Calvin Cycle) that can happen day or night.
Step-by-step explanation:
Photosynthesis and Sunlight Requirement
The process of photosynthesis in plants and certain microorganisms like cyanobacteria is tightly linked to the presence of sunlight. When considering the steps involved in photosynthesis, the following is correct:
- Solar energy is used to split water molecules (H2O) in the light-dependent reactions.
- Chlorophyll molecules absorb sunlight energy and get excited, which initiates the process of photosynthesis.
- Oxygen (O2) is released from the stomata as a byproduct of photosynthesis, although this doesn't directly require immediate sunlight since it is part of the light-independent reactions.
- Carbon dioxide (CO2) is converted into glucose (C6H12O6) in the Calvin Cycle, which can occur during the day or night as long as there are available ATP and NADPH from the light reactions.
Therefore, the process that does NOT require immediate sunlight is the release of oxygen from the stomata, which is part of the Calvin cycle or light-independent reactions.