Photosynthesis requires:

## The reasoning Photosynthesis is how plants make their own food (glucose). Think of it as a recipe that requires **three essential ingredients**: 1. **Sunlight** – provides the energy to power the reaction 2. **Water (H₂O)** – absorbed through roots, supplies hydrogen 3. **Carbon dioxide (CO₂)** – taken from air through tiny holes (stomata) in leaves The chemical equation is: **6CO₂ + 6H₂O + light energy → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂** Remove any one ingredient, and photosynthesis stops completely. The plant produces glucose (food) and releases oxygen as a byproduct. ## Why the wrong options tempt you **A) Soil and air** – Soil provides *minerals* for growth, not for photosynthesis itself. Air contains CO₂ (correct), but soil isn't directly used in the light reaction. **C & D) Only water/Only sunlight** – These seem simpler, but photosynthesis isn't a one-ingredient process. You need the carbon source (CO₂) to build glucose molecules. ## Quick takeaway Remember the **3 S's: Sunlight, H₂O (Sip), CO₂ (Suck in)** – plants need all three to cook their food, not just one or two!