Five friends were talking about when plants carry out the processes of photosynthesis and respiration. This is what they said:
Janet:
“Photosynthesis and respiration occur both when it is light and when it is dark.”
Calvin:
“Photosynthesis occurs when it is light; respiration occurs when it is dark.”
Mike:
“Photosynthesis occurs when it is light; respiration occurs both when it is light and when it is dark.”
Turner:
“Photosynthesis occurs both when it is light and when it is dark; respiration happens at night.”
Sophie:
“Photosynthesis occurs in the light; plants don’t carry out the process of respiration.”
Whom do you agree with the most?
Based on the statements provided, I would agree with Janet the most. Janet stated that photosynthesis and respiration occur both when it is light and when it is dark. This aligns with the known processes of photosynthesis, which primarily occurs during daylight hours when there is access to sunlight and the necessary energy for the process, and respiration, which occurs continuously throughout both day and night.
Based on the given statements, it is clear that Mike's statement is the most accurate and agrees with the known processes of photosynthesis and respiration. Mike stated that photosynthesis occurs when it is light, which is true as photosynthesis requires sunlight to convert light energy into chemical energy. Mike also mentioned that respiration occurs both when it is light and when it is dark, which is also correct as respiration is a continuous process that occurs in plants regardless of whether it is day or night. Therefore, Mike's statement aligns with the known facts about photosynthesis and respiration.
To answer this question, we need to examine what we know about the processes of photosynthesis and respiration.
Photosynthesis is the process by which plants convert sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide into glucose (energy) and oxygen. This process requires light energy and takes place in the chloroplasts of plant cells.
Respiration, on the other hand, is the process by which plants (and all living organisms) break down glucose and oxygen to release energy for their daily activities. This process occurs in the mitochondria of plant cells.
Now let's evaluate each statement made by the five friends:
1. Janet: "Photosynthesis and respiration occur both when it is light and when it is dark."
- This statement is partly correct. While photosynthesis can occur both in the presence and absence of light (though at a slower rate in the dark), respiration occurs continuously, day and night.
2. Calvin: "Photosynthesis occurs when it is light; respiration occurs when it is dark."
- This statement is incorrect. Photosynthesis primarily occurs when it is light, but some minimal photosynthesis can still happen in the dark. However, respiration occurs both during the day and at night.
3. Mike: "Photosynthesis occurs when it is light; respiration occurs both when it is light and when it is dark."
- This statement is mostly accurate. Photosynthesis occurs in the light, and respiration occurs continuously, day and night.
4. Turner: "Photosynthesis occurs both when it is light and when it is dark; respiration happens at night."
- This statement is incorrect. While photosynthesis can occur in the dark to some extent, it is much more efficient in the presence of light. Respiration, as mentioned earlier, occurs both during the day and at night.
5. Sophie: "Photosynthesis occurs in the light; plants don’t carry out the process of respiration."
- This statement is incorrect. Plants do carry out respiration. In fact, all living organisms, including plants, require respiration to generate energy.
Based on the information provided, the statement made by Mike - "Photosynthesis occurs when it is light, and respiration occurs both when it is light and when it is dark" - aligns most accurately with the known facts about photosynthesis and respiration.