Oxygen gas ([tex]$O_2$[/tex]) is produced by plants and algae. What is the source of oxygen atoms in these molecules?
A. Water
B. Glucose
C. Carbon dioxide
D. Atmospheric oxygen
E. Atmospheric nitrogen
Answer (2)
The answer is C. Carbon Dioxide and also A) water
Plants and algae use carbon dioxide and water in presence of sunlight to perfrom photosynthesis. Oxygen is a by-product of this process and is used later by the plant for respiration.
The source of the oxygen atoms in oxygen gas produced by plants during photosynthesis comes primarily from water (H₂O) that is split during the process. While carbon dioxide (CO₂) is also involved in photosynthesis, the oxygen gas released into the atmosphere is derived from water. Therefore, the correct answer is A. Water.
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