What is the 6-carbon sugar produced during photosynthesis, commonly used by animals?

The 6-carbon sugar produced during photosynthesis that is commonly utilized by animals is glucose. During the process of photosynthesis, plants convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen using sunlight as energy. Glucose serves as a fundamental source of energy for many organisms, including animals, as it is readily accessible for metabolic processes.

Once glucose is produced by plants, it can enter various pathways in the bodies of animals. It is often transported through the bloodstream and used directly for energy by cells or stored in the liver and muscles as glycogen for future energy needs. Additionally, glucose can be converted into other forms of carbohydrates or used to synthesize other compounds necessary for life, such as nucleic acids and amino acids.

While fructose, galactose, and mannose are also sugars and can be found in various organisms, they are not the primary product of photosynthesis in plants. Instead, they can be derived from the metabolism of glucose or other processes. Thus, glucose stands out as the key product of photosynthesis that is crucial for energy metabolism in animals.