Question #N532
The passage below is adapted from a science textbook discussing the process of photosynthesis. \begin{align*} \text{Carbon dioxide} + \text{Water} + \text{Sunlight} \rightarrow \text{Sugar} + \text{Oxygen} \end{align*} This equation shows that the process of photosynthesis, which plants use to create their own food, results in the production of sugar and oxygen. The sugar is used by the plant for growth and energy, while the oxygen is released into the atmosphere.
Which choice best combines the sentences at the underlined portion so that they are grammatically correct and maintain the meaning of the passage?
A. This equation shows that the process of photosynthesis, which plants use to create their own food, results in the production of sugar and oxygen, while the sugar is used by the plant for growth and energy.
B. This equation shows that the process of photosynthesis, which plants use to create their own food, results in the production of sugar and oxygen; while the sugar is used by the plant for growth and energy.
C. This equation shows that the process of photosynthesis, which plants use to create their own food, results in the production of sugar and oxygen; the sugar is used by the plant for growth and energy.
D. This equation shows that the process of photosynthesis, which plants use to create their own food, results in the production of sugar and oxygen, and the sugar is used by the plant for growth and energy.
Correct Answer is: D
Choice D is the best answer. The combined sentence is grammatically correct and maintains the meaning of the original passage. The other choices contain errors in punctuation or comma use.