ASVAB · Biology and Life Science

Which process do plants use to convert sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide into glucose and oxygen?

Correct answer

Photosynthesis

  1. A Respiration
  2. B Photosynthesis
  3. C Fermentation
  4. D Digestion

Why this is the answer

Photosynthesis is the process by which plants (and some other organisms) use sunlight to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose (sugar) and oxygen. It occurs mainly in the chloroplasts, which contain the green pigment chlorophyll that captures light energy. Respiration is almost the reverse process — using oxygen to release energy from glucose. Photosynthesis is fundamental to life because it produces oxygen and forms the base of most food chains. The basic equation is: carbon dioxide + water + light energy → glucose + oxygen.
Source: ASVAB GS, Photosynthesis

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About this topic: Biology and Life Science

Biology questions cover cells and their organelles, genetics and heredity, classification, photosynthesis and respiration, and ecosystems. These are recall questions — know the vocabulary and the function of each structure. This is one of 15 General Science questions on biology and life science, each with a full explanation on a single study page.

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