Question

Which of the following statements about the light reactions of photosynthesis are correct?

a) The energy of the sun is captured as potential energy.
b) Pigments absorb light energy, which excites electrons.
c) Water molecules split, providing a source of electrons.
d) All of the above are correct.
e) Only a and c are correct."

Answer 1

The correct answer to the student's question about the light reactions of photosynthesis is d) All of the above are correct. This includes the capturing of solar energy, excitation of electrons by pigments, and the splitting of water to provide electrons.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question asks which statements about the light reactions of photosynthesis are correct. The light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis involve multiple processes where the energy from the sun is captured and utilized. Specifically, chlorophyll molecules in the photosystems absorb light and become excited. These excited electrons pass the energy to the primary electron acceptor, which is then used in the electron transport chain. During this process, water molecules split, providing a source of electrons and producing oxygen as a byproduct.

The correct answer to the question is d) All of the above are correct.

These steps can be summarized as follows: a) The energy of the sun is captured as potential energy, b) pigments absorb light energy which excites electrons, and c) water molecules split, providing a source of electrons. Each component is critical for the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis, which ultimately result in the production of ATP and NADPH, powering the Calvin cycle to produce glucose.