Which term describes the process of photosynthesis?

• A. The breakdown of water into hydrogen and oxygen
• B. Conversion of light energy from the sun into chemical energy
• C. The release of stored energy from glucose
• D. The respiration of plant cells

Answer: (B)

Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants use light energy from the sun and convert it into chemical energy stored in glucose. This energy transformation is the key idea: light energy is captured and used to build sugar that stores energy for the plant’s growth and metabolism. The description that fits best is converting light energy from the sun into chemical energy. The breakdown of water into hydrogen and oxygen is part of the light reactions, not the entire process. Releasing energy from glucose and plant cell respiration describe cellular respiration, which releases energy from sugar rather than creating it from light.