Step 1: Understand the autotrophic mode of nutrition.
In the autotrophic mode of nutrition, organisms like plants synthesize their food using inorganic substances. The primary components required for this process are:
- Carbon dioxide and water from the environment,
- Sunlight, which provides the energy for the process of photosynthesis,
- Chlorophyll, which is a pigment present in plant cells that absorbs light and helps in the process of photosynthesis.
Step 2: Conclusion.
Thus, the correct answer is (D), as all of the components — carbon dioxide, water, sunlight, and chlorophyll — are necessary for the autotrophic mode of nutrition.