Question

What BEST describes the role of light in the overall process of photosynthesis?

A. Light provides the energy for breaking apart sugars into small molecules.
B. Light provides the energy for assembling small molecules into sugars.
C. Light accepts the energy that is released by small molecules.
D. Light accepts the energy that is released by sugars.

Answer 1

Light's role in photosynthesis is to provide energy to convert carbon dioxide into sugars, through a process that starts with the light-dependent reactions and ends with the Calvin cycle. Therefore correct option is B

Step-by-step explanation:

The role of light in the overall process of photosynthesis is to provide the energy for assembling small molecules into sugars. During the light-dependent reactions, the energy from sunlight is absorbed by chlorophyll, causing electrons to get excited and jump to a higher energy level. These excited electrons then transfer through a series of carrier molecules and in the process, help form the energy-carrying molecules ATP and NADPH. The light-independent reactions, also known as the Calvin cycle, use these energy carriers (ATP and NADPH) to convert carbon dioxide into sugars.