Which statement best describes the energy change in photosynthesis?

Which statement best describes the energy change in photosynthesis?

• A. Energy is absorbed from light
• B. Energy is released as heat
• C. Energy is stored as nitrogen bonds
• D. Energy remains unchanged

Answer: (A)

Photosynthesis captures light energy and stores it as chemical energy. Chlorophyll absorbs photons and uses that energy to drive the formation of ATP and NADPH, which then power the synthesis of sugars from carbon dioxide and water. The essential point is that energy from light is taken in and stored in the chemical bonds of glucose, not released as heat or left unchanged. The idea that energy would be stored in nitrogen bonds isn’t how photosynthesis creates its energy store, and energy isn’t remaining constant because the process involves a real energy input to build chemical bonds.

Photosynthesis captures light energy and stores it as chemical energy. Chlorophyll absorbs photons and uses that energy to drive the formation of ATP and NADPH, which then power the synthesis of sugars from carbon dioxide and water. The essential point is that energy from light is taken in and stored in the chemical bonds of glucose, not released as heat or left unchanged. The idea that energy would be stored in nitrogen bonds isn’t how photosynthesis creates its energy store, and energy isn’t remaining constant because the process involves a real energy input to build chemical bonds.