Which molecule is produced as a byproduct of photosynthesis?

Oxygen is produced as a byproduct of photosynthesis during the light-dependent reactions. In these reactions, chlorophyll absorbs sunlight and uses this energy to split water molecules (H2O) into oxygen, protons, and electrons. The oxygen produced is released into the atmosphere as a waste product, while the protons and electrons are utilized in the subsequent stages of photosynthesis to produce glucose and other organic compounds.

Understanding the role of oxygen in photosynthesis highlights its importance in sustaining life on Earth, as it is the oxygen we breathe. In contrast, glucose is one of the main products of photosynthesis and is created from carbon dioxide and sunlight energy, while ATP is an energy carrier produced during the light-dependent reactions but not a byproduct. Carbon dioxide, on the other hand, is consumed during photosynthesis rather than being produced.