What would be the consequence if water was not split during photosynthesis?

The splitting of water, also known as photolysis, plays a critical role in the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis. During this process, water molecules are broken down into oxygen, protons, and electrons. The electrons released are essential for the production of ATP and NADPH, which are necessary for the subsequent light-independent reactions (Calvin Cycle) where glucose is synthesized.

If water was not split, the electrons needed to generate ATP through the electron transport chain would be absent. This would result in a failure to produce ATP, which is crucial for various cellular processes, including the synthesis of glucose. Therefore, the inability to split water directly impacts the overall ability of the plant to produce energy and, consequently, glucose.

The other options, while related to photosynthesis, do not directly result from the absence of water splitting. Glucose production would indeed be affected, but the key point here focuses on ATP production as the immediate consequence, highlighting the fundamental role of water in the photosynthesis process.