Question

A plant is provided with ideal conditions for photosythesis and supplied with isotope ${}^{14}C{O}_2$. When the products of the process are analysed carefully, what would be the nature of products?

• A. Both glucose and oxygen are labelled
• B. Only oxygen is labelled but glucose is normal
• C. Both glucose and oxygen are normal
• D. Only glucose is labelled and oxygen is normal

Answer 1

The correct option is D Only glucose is labelled and oxygen is normal

A plant is provided with ideal conditions for photosynthesis and supplied with isotope 14CO2. When the products of the process are analyzed carefully, only glucose is labeled and oxygen is normal.

It is because carbon is present in glucose whereas the oxygen is liberated as a side product and released to the atmosphere.

The chemical formula is 6CO${}_2$ + 6H${}_2$O + light energy = C${}_6$H${}_{12}$O${}_6$ + 6O${}_2$