Question

Photosynthesis takes carbon in from the atmosphere and uses it to form ______, the energy source for all plants and animals to use in cellular respiration.

Answer 1

Photosynthesis uses carbon dioxide to create glucose, which is an energy source for all life forms. Oxygen is also produced as a byproduct.

Step-by-step explanation:

Photosynthesis takes carbon in from the atmosphere and uses it to form glucose, the energy source for all plants and animals to use in cellular respiration.

This complex biochemical process can be summarized by the following equation:

6CO2 + 6H2O + sunlight energy → C6H12O6 + 6O2.

Essentially, in the presence of sunlight, carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O) chemically react to produce glucose (C6H12O6) and oxygen (O2). Glucose is a critical energy-storing carbohydrate that provides fuel for the metabolic activities of organisms.

While plants produce glucose through photosynthesis, both plants and animals then use this glucose for cellular respiration to create ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the primary energy currency of cells. The oxygen produced during photosynthesis is a vital byproduct that supports animal life, as it is necessary for aerobic respiration.