Which statement best describes photosynthesis?

• A. Plants break down glucose to release energy.
• B. Plants convert oxygen into carbon dioxide.
• C. Plants use sunlight to split water and release energy only.
• D. Plants use sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to produce glucose and oxygen.

Answer: (D)

Photosynthesis is the process plants use to turn light energy into stored chemical energy in glucose, using water and carbon dioxide, and releasing oxygen as a byproduct. Chlorophyll captures sunlight and drives reactions that combine water and carbon dioxide to make glucose, with oxygen released in the process. The statement that best describes this is the one that says plants use sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to produce glucose and oxygen, because it includes the energy source (sunlight), the raw materials (water and carbon dioxide), and the main products (glucose and oxygen) of photosynthesis. The other descriptions miss or misrepresent what happens: breaking down glucose describes respiration, not photosynthesis; converting oxygen into carbon dioxide implies the reverse of what plants do; and splitting water with energy release only omits glucose production and carbon dioxide use.