Plants obtain carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms from several sources:
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Carbon: Plants primarily get carbon from carbon dioxide (CO₂) in the atmosphere. Through the process of photosynthesis, they absorb CO₂ through their stomata, and use it to produce glucose.
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Hydrogen: Hydrogen is mainly sourced from water (H₂O), which plants absorb through their roots from the soil. During photosynthesis, water molecules are split, releasing oxygen and providing the necessary hydrogen atoms for carbohydrate formation.
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Oxygen: Like carbon, plants require oxygen, which they obtain from the atmosphere as CO₂ and from the splitting of water during photosynthesis. The oxygen released during photosynthesis comes from the photolysis of water.
In summary, the sources of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen for plants are atmospheric carbon dioxide and water from the soil. These elements come together in the process of photosynthesis to form glucose and oxygen.