Besides water and light which is more essential as a raw material for food formation

Options

A. `CO_(2)`
B. `O_(2)`
C. NADP
D. Mineral salts

Answer

To answer the question "Besides water and light, which is more essential as a raw material for food formation?" we can follow these steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Photosynthesis**:
- Photosynthesis is the process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy in the form of glucose. This process primarily occurs in the chloroplasts of plant cells.

2. **Identifying Raw Materials**:
- The main raw materials required for photosynthesis are water (H2O) and carbon dioxide (CO2). Light energy is also essential as it powers the process.

3. **Role of Water**:
- Water is split during photosynthesis to release oxygen (O2) and provide hydrogen ions and electrons. This splitting occurs in the presence of chlorophyll, which absorbs sunlight.

4. **Role of Carbon Dioxide**:
- Carbon dioxide is absorbed from the atmosphere and is reduced to form glucose during the photosynthesis process. This reduction is crucial for the formation of food.

5. **Other Options**:
- The other options provided in the question are O2 (which is a by-product of photosynthesis), NADP (which is involved in the electron transport chain but not a raw material), and mineral salts (which are important for plant nutrition but not directly involved in food formation).

6. **Conclusion**:
- Since the question asks for a raw material essential for food formation besides water and light, the most appropriate answer is carbon dioxide (CO2).

### Final Answer:
The correct answer is **CO2** (carbon dioxide).

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