Which of the following statements describes photosynthesis in marine organisms?

Photosynthesis in marine organisms is a vital process that involves converting sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide into glucose and oxygen. This process takes place primarily in the chloroplasts of phytoplankton, seaweeds, and other photosynthetic marine organisms. The overall chemical reaction of photosynthesis can be simplified as:

6 CO2 + 6 H2O + light energy → C6H12O6 + 6 O2

In this equation, carbon dioxide and water are the raw materials, while glucose (a type of sugar) and oxygen are the products. The glucose produced serves as an energy source for the organism and for other organisms that consume it, while the oxygen released is critical for the survival of aerobic organisms, including marine mammals and humans.

This process is fundamental to the marine food web, as it forms the basis of energy capture in oceanic environments. Understanding that photosynthesis occurs in various marine settings, especially in the upper layers of the ocean where sunlight penetrates, helps to clarify its importance in marine ecosystems.