Class 11 · Photosynthesis in Higher Plants

Source of Oxygen in Photosynthesis — NEET Biology

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In green plants H₂O is the hydrogen donor and is oxidised to O₂. Some organisms do not release O₂ during photosynthesis. When H₂S, instead is the hydrogen donor for purple and green sulphur bacteria, the 'oxidation' product is sulphur or sulphate depending on the organism and not O₂. Hence, he inferred that the O₂ evolved by the green plant comes from H₂O, not from carbon dioxide. This was later proved by using radioisotopic techniques. The correct equation, that would represent the overall process of photosynthesis is therefore:

🖼️Related NCERT figure: Chemical equation showing 6CO₂ + 12H₂O with Light arrow leading to C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6H₂O + 6O₂
NCERT Biology · Class 11 · Chapter 11 · Paragraph 18
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Choose the correct sequence of discoveries: A. Role of chlorophyll B. Oxygen comes from H₂O C. Sunlight is essential D. Starch formation as evidence

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