What does the splitting of water molecules during photosynthesis produce?
Hydrogen and oxygen
During the light-dependent stage of photosynthesis in the thylakoid membranes of chloroplasts, water molecules are split by light energy in a process called photolysis: \(2H_2O \to 4H^+ + 4e^- + O_2\).
This releases hydrogen ions (protons) and electrons, which are used to reduce NADP+ to NADPH and to drive ATP synthesis, while molecular oxygen is given out as a by-product.
Nitrogen and carbon are not obtained from splitting water; carbon enters the plant as CO2 in the dark reactions, and nitrogen comes from the soil.
Hence, the splitting of water in photosynthesis produces hydrogen and oxygen.
Similar Questions
Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding vegetative propagation?
Statement A: Root, stem and leaves develop into new plants under appropriate conditions.
Statement B: Vegetative propagation is used in sugarcane, roses and grapes.
Which of the following plant nutrients is supplied from air?
The parenchyma cells in plants are:
How do plants excrete their waste products?
Which of the following options best describes a component of a flower's reproductive system?
Which mechanism allows the sensitive plant to move its leaves immediately after being touched?
Which of the following characteristics are correct for the cells of parenchyma?
Which pigment is responsible for absorbing light during photosynthesis?
A researcher finds a plant group that does not need water for fertilisation and has seeds which are not enclosed in fruits. Which plant group is being described?
What is the term for the growth of plant roots downward in response to gravity?
Important Questions from Botany
Which of the following is a type of nutrition?
I. Heterotrophic
II. Autotrophic
Fungi are always
Which of the following does NOT form an essential part of the process of photosynthesis?
Organisms that generate energy using light are:
Amarbel ( Cuscuta ) is a
