Sure, let's determine which substance made during photosynthesis acts as an energy carrier:
Photosynthesis is the process where plants convert light energy into chemical energy, creating glucose and oxygen as end products. However, during the process, several intermediate substances play important roles, including energy carriers.
1. Option A: [tex]$C _6 H _{12} O _6$[/tex] (Glucose)
- Glucose is one of the primary products of photosynthesis, used by plants as an energy source and as a building block for growth. It stores energy, but it’s not directly used as an energy carrier during the process itself.
2. Option B: [tex]$O _2$[/tex] (Oxygen)
- Oxygen is a by-product of the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis. It is released into the atmosphere, but it doesn't carry energy for use within the process of photosynthesis.
3. Option C: ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate)
- ATP is the main energy carrier in cells, including during photosynthesis. During the light-dependent reactions, light energy is used to produce ATP from ADP and inorganic phosphate. This ATP provides the necessary energy for the Calvin cycle (light-independent reactions) to convert carbon dioxide and other compounds into glucose.
4. Option D: [tex]$H _2 O$[/tex] (Water)
- Water is split during the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis to provide electrons and protons, and it releases oxygen as a by-product. While vital for the process, it is not an energy carrier.
Given this detailed breakdown of each option, the substance that acts as an energy carrier during photosynthesis is:
ATP (C. ATP)
