Question 48

Plants require carbon dioxide to produce sugars through photosynthesis.

Photosynthesis is the process by which plants convert carbon dioxide and water into sugars and oxygen using sunlight. Therefore, carbon dioxide is essential for this process.

A) Nitrogen

Nitrogen is not directly involved in the process of photosynthesis for sugar production. While nitrogen is a crucial nutrient for plant growth and is a component of amino acids and proteins, it does not serve as a necessary atmospheric gas for the photosynthetic process itself.

B) Oxygen

Oxygen is a byproduct of photosynthesis rather than a reactant. During photosynthesis, plants release oxygen into the atmosphere but do not require it to produce sugars. Thus, oxygen is not needed for the photosynthetic process.

C) Carbon dioxide

Carbon dioxide is the essential gas needed for photosynthesis, as it is used by plants to synthesize sugars. During this process, plants absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, which, along with sunlight and water, facilitates the production of glucose and oxygen.

D) Helium

Helium is an inert gas that does not participate in any biological processes, including photosynthesis. It does not contribute to the production of sugars in plants and is not utilized in any way during the photosynthetic process.

Conclusion

Carbon dioxide is unequivocally required for photosynthesis, as it provides the carbon atoms needed to create sugars. All other options fail to fulfill this critical role, making carbon dioxide the definitive correct answer.