Florida Teacher Certification Examinations (FTCE) Subject Area Practice Test

What is the primary purpose of photosynthesis?

1. To create energy from sunlight

2. To convert sunlight into chemical energy

3. To produce oxygen from carbon dioxide

4. To store energy for winter

The correct answer is: To convert sunlight into chemical energy

The primary purpose of photosynthesis is to convert sunlight into chemical energy. This process occurs in the chloroplasts of plant cells, where light energy is captured and used to transform carbon dioxide and water into glucose, a type of sugar that serves as food for the plant. During photosynthesis, the energy from sunlight drives a series of chemical reactions that produce glucose, effectively storing energy in a form that can be later utilized by the plant for growth and other metabolic functions. Although producing oxygen is a byproduct of this process, it is not the main goal of photosynthesis. While plants do create energy from sunlight, it’s specifically the conversion to a storable form like glucose that defines the primary purpose. Storing energy for winter could be considered a function of the glucose produced during photosynthesis, as plants can use this stored energy during less favorable seasons, but it's not the primary goal of the process itself.