Producers use the energy of sunlight to convert inorganic carbon compounds into organic compounds through the process of photosynthesis. True False
The correct answer and explanation is:
Correct Answer: True
Producers, also known as autotrophs, use the energy from sunlight to carry out a process known as photosynthesis. This process allows them to convert inorganic carbon compounds, such as carbon dioxide (CO₂), into organic compounds like glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆), which they use for energy and growth. These producers include green plants, algae, and certain bacteria such as cyanobacteria.
Photosynthesis primarily occurs in the chloroplasts of plant cells. Chloroplasts contain a green pigment called chlorophyll that captures the energy of sunlight. The overall chemical equation for photosynthesis is:
6CO₂ + 6H₂O + light energy → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂
This equation shows that six molecules of carbon dioxide and six molecules of water, in the presence of sunlight, are converted into one molecule of glucose and six molecules of oxygen. The carbon dioxide used in this process is an inorganic compound because it does not contain carbon-hydrogen bonds, whereas glucose is an organic compound because it contains both carbon and hydrogen atoms bonded together.
Photosynthesis is essential to life on Earth. It is the foundation of most food chains, as producers provide energy-rich organic matter to consumers. Additionally, photosynthesis helps regulate the Earth’s atmosphere by removing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen as a byproduct. Without producers and the process of photosynthesis, life as it exists today would not be possible.
Thus, the statement is true because it accurately describes the role of producers in converting inorganic carbon compounds into organic ones through the process of photosynthesis.