Question

the following reaction occurs in plants.
co₂ + water + sunlight → o₂ + water + sugar
this reaction is beneficial to plants because it

• produces chemical building blocks for proteins.
• keeps ultraviolet light from damaging their cells.
• provides chemical energy to the cells.
• results in a net increase in the mass of the atoms.

Explanation:

The reaction described is photosynthesis. During photosynthesis, plants convert light energy into chemical energy (stored in sugar). Proteins are made from amino acids, not directly from this reaction. Photosynthesis doesn't block ultraviolet light. According to the law of conservation of mass, the mass of atoms doesn't increase. The key is that photosynthesis provides chemical energy (in the form of sugar) to plant cells.

Answer:

provides chemical energy to the cells.