Algonquin College Health Program Assessment (AC-HPAT) Practice Exam

What is photosynthesis?

1. The process by which plants absorb water

2. The process by which light energy is converted to chemical energy

3. The process whereby plants eliminate oxygen

4. A method of plant reproduction

The correct answer is: The process by which light energy is converted to chemical energy

Photosynthesis is fundamentally the process by which light energy is converted into chemical energy, specifically in the form of glucose, which plants use as food. During this process, plants absorb sunlight using chlorophyll, a green pigment found in their leaves. This light energy is then used to convert carbon dioxide from the air and water from the soil into glucose and oxygen. The chemical energy stored in glucose can then be utilized by the plant for growth, repair, and reproduction. Understanding this process is crucial as it highlights the role of plants in ecosystems, not only as producers of energy but also as contributors to the atmospheric balance by releasing oxygen, a vital element for most living organisms. The significance of photosynthesis extends beyond plant life to impact the entire food chain and the earth's atmosphere.