ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery)Paragraph Comprehension (PC)Easy
Read the following passage: "The process of photosynthesis is fundamental to most life on Earth. It is the process by which green plants, algae, and some bacteria convert light energy into chemical energy, stored in glucose. This conversion occurs primarily within chloroplasts, organelles found in plant cells. During photosynthesis, carbon dioxide and water are absorbed, and in the presence of sunlight, they are transformed into glucose and oxygen. Oxygen is released as a byproduct into the atmosphere." According to the passage, what is the fate of oxygen produced during photosynthesis?
- AIt is immediately consumed by the plant for its own growth.
- BIt is converted into more glucose for energy storage.
- CIt is released as a byproduct into the atmosphere.
- DIt is stored within the plant for later use in respiration.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. It is released as a byproduct into the atmosphere.
The passage explicitly states, 'Oxygen is released as a byproduct into the atmosphere.' This is a direct factual recall from the text.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. The passage indicates oxygen is released, not immediately consumed by the plant for growth.
- B. The passage states oxygen is a byproduct, and glucose is the chemical energy product, not oxygen converted to glucose.
- D. While plants do respire, the passage specifies oxygen is *released* as a byproduct, not primarily stored for internal use.
Photosynthesis Byproduct
Photosynthesis converts light energy into chemical energy (glucose), releasing oxygen as a byproduct.
- Uses light, CO2, and water.
- Produces glucose and oxygen.
- Oxygen is released into the atmosphere.
Memory trick: Photo-synthesis: Plants making food with light.