Photosynthesis and its raw materials

Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants and some other organisms use sunlight to synthesize foods with the help of chlorophyll. The raw materials required for photosynthesis are:

Carbon dioxide
Oxygen
Water
Chlorophyll

Out of these four raw materials, the correct answer to the question is option 'C', which is water.

Importance of water in photosynthesis

Water is an essential raw material required for photosynthesis. It is absorbed by the roots of the plant and transported to the leaves through the xylem vessels. Water plays a crucial role in photosynthesis in the following ways:

1. Water is used in the light-dependent reaction

During the light-dependent reaction of photosynthesis, water molecules are split into hydrogen ions (H+) and oxygen atoms. This reaction takes place in the thylakoid membranes of chloroplasts. The oxygen atoms are released into the atmosphere while the hydrogen ions are used to produce ATP (adenosine triphosphate) and NADPH (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate), which are energy-rich molecules required for the dark reaction.

2. Water is used in the dark reaction

The dark reaction of photosynthesis takes place in the stroma of chloroplasts. In this reaction, carbon dioxide is fixed into glucose molecules with the help of ATP and NADPH produced during the light-dependent reaction. Water is also required in this reaction to provide hydrogen ions for the formation of glucose.

Conclusion

In conclusion, water is one of the essential raw materials required for photosynthesis. It is used in both the light-dependent and dark reactions of photosynthesis. Without water, the process of photosynthesis cannot occur, and the survival of plants and other organisms that rely on photosynthesis for food would be impossible.