SSC Stenographer 2024 PYQ — Question 51

Read the given passage carefully and answer the questions that follow.

The process of photosynthesis is one of the most important biological processes on Earth. It is the way that plants, algae, and some types of bacteria convert energy from the sun into chemical energy in the form of organic compounds. These organic compounds, such as sugars, are then used by the organism as a source of energy and as building blocks for growth and reproduction.
The basic process of photosynthesis can be broken down into two main stages: the light-dependent reactions and the light-independent reactions (also known as the Calvin cycle). In the light-dependent reactions, energy from sunlight is absorbed by pigments in the chloroplasts of plant cells, and is used to convert water into oxygen and high-energy electrons. These electrons are then used to power the synthesis of ATP and NADPH, which are energy-rich molecules that are used in the light-independent reactions.
In the light-independent reactions, the energy from ATP and NADPH is used to fix carbon dioxide into organic compounds, such as glucose. This process is known as carbon fixation and is mediated by a series of enzymes called the Calvin cycle. These reactions take place in the stroma of the chloroplasts, and the end result is the production of glucose and other sugars.
Photosynthesis is not only important for the survival of plants, but also for all other organisms that depend on plants as a source of food. In addition, the oxygen produced during photosynthesis is crucial for the survival of animals and other organisms that require oxygen for respiration. Without the process of photosynthesis, the Earth’s atmosphere would not contain the high levels of oxygen that are necessary for most forms of life to survive.
Overall, photosynthesis is a vital process that plays a critical role in the Earth’s ecosystem, providing the energy and organic compounds needed for the growth and survival of all forms of life.