What happens to carbon dioxide during photosynthesis?

During photosynthesis, carbon dioxide plays a crucial role in the formation of glucose through a process known as the Calvin cycle, which occurs in the stroma of chloroplasts. The process begins when carbon dioxide molecules are fixed from the atmosphere and combined with a five-carbon sugar called ribulose bisphosphate (RuBP). This reaction, facilitated by the enzyme RuBisCO, ultimately leads to the conversion of carbon dioxide into a three-carbon compound, which is then used to synthesize glucose and other carbohydrates.

The formation of glucose from carbon dioxide is vital because it serves as the primary energy source for plants and, indirectly, for many organisms that rely on plants for food. This conversion of inorganic carbon dioxide into organic glucose helps sustain life on Earth by contributing to the carbon cycle.

Understanding this process highlights the importance of carbon dioxide as a raw material in photosynthesis, contrasting it with the by-products of the process, such as oxygen, which is released into the atmosphere. The correct answer highlights the transformation of carbon dioxide into a carbohydrate, emphasizing its fundamental role in energy production during photosynthesis.