Photosynthesis is an important process in not only that it is the primary process of food production but also that its bye-products are used by animals for respiration. Which gas is produced by plants during the synthesis of food?

Options

A. Carbon monoxide
B. Oxygen
C. Hydrogen
D. Carbon dioxide

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Photosynthesis**: Photosynthesis is a process used by plants to convert light energy into chemical energy in the form of glucose. It occurs mainly in the leaves of plants.

2. **Identifying the Reactants**: The main reactants required for photosynthesis are carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O). These are absorbed by the plant from the environment.

3. **Role of Sunlight and Chlorophyll**: Sunlight provides the energy necessary for the photosynthesis process, and chlorophyll, the green pigment in plants, captures this sunlight.

4. **Photosynthesis Equation**: The overall chemical equation for photosynthesis can be represented as:
\[ 6CO_2 + 6H_2O + \text{light energy} \xrightarrow{\text{chlorophyll}} C_6H_{12}O_6 + 6O_2 \]
In this equation, glucose (C6H12O6) is produced, and oxygen (O2) is released as a byproduct.

5. **Identifying the Byproduct**: From the equation, we can see that oxygen is produced during the process of photosynthesis. This oxygen is essential for the respiration of animals and other organisms.

6. **Conclusion**: The gas produced by plants during the synthesis of food (photosynthesis) is oxygen.

**Final Answer**: The gas produced by plants during the synthesis of food is **oxygen**.

---