Kaplan Nursing Entrance Practice Exam

What is the term for the process by which plants convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen?

1. Respiration

2. Photosynthesis

3. Transpiration

4. Decomposition

The correct answer is: Photosynthesis

The process in which plants convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen is known as photosynthesis. During photosynthesis, plants utilize sunlight, primarily through the chlorophyll in their leaves, to capture light energy. This energy drives the chemical reactions that convert carbon dioxide from the air and water absorbed by the roots into glucose, which serves as an energy source for the plant. As a byproduct of this process, oxygen is released into the atmosphere, which is essential for the survival of many organisms, including humans. Photosynthesis is a critical component of the Earth's ecosystem, as it forms the foundation of the food chain and plays a significant role in regulating atmospheric carbon dioxide levels. The importance of this process to life on Earth cannot be overstated; it not only provides food for plants but also contributes to the oxygen cycle. The other terms provided refer to different biological processes. Respiration involves breaking down glucose to release energy, transpiration is the process by which water evaporates from the plant's leaves, and decomposition is the process through which organic matter is broken down into simpler substances. Each of these processes plays a unique role in the ecosystem but does not describe the conversion of carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen.