Let's analyze the chemical reaction equation for photosynthesis:
[tex]\[
6 \text{CO}_2 + 6 \text{H}_2 \text{O} \rightarrow \text{C}_6 \text{H}_{12} \text{O}_6 + 6 \text{O}_2
\][/tex]
We will examine each of the given options to determine what information is missing from this equation:
1. It does not show if the reaction is reversible:
- The given equation does not have a reversible sign (↔ or ⇌) which indicates whether the reaction can proceed in both directions. Therefore, this information is indeed not shown.
2. It does not show the reactants needed for the reaction:
- This is incorrect because the reactants, [tex]\( \text{CO}_2 \)[/tex] (carbon dioxide) and [tex]\( \text{H}_2 \text{O} \)[/tex] (water), are clearly indicated in the equation.
3. It does not show that photosynthesis consists of many separate steps:
- Photosynthesis is a complex process that involves multiple biochemical steps, such as the light-dependent reactions and the Calvin cycle. The provided chemical equation is a simplified overall representation and doesn't show these individual steps.
4. It does not show the number of molecules required to produce glucose:
- This is incorrect because the equation clearly indicates the number of molecules: 6 molecules of [tex]\( \text{CO}_2 \)[/tex] and 6 molecules of [tex]\( \text{H}_2 \text{O} \)[/tex] are needed to produce 1 molecule of [tex]\( \text{C}_6 \text{H}_{12} \text{O}_6 \)[/tex] (glucose) and 6 molecules of [tex]\( \text{O}_2 \)[/tex] (oxygen).
Based on the analysis, there are two correct options that indicate what information is not provided by the given equation:
- It does not show if the reaction is reversible
- It does not show that photosynthesis consists of many separate steps
Therefore, the most accurate response that highlights the primary piece of missing information is:
- It does not show that photosynthesis consists of many separate steps.
