Based on the illustration,explain what happens to most of the mass gained by the plant cell through photosynthesis?
Responses
A The mass is returned to the soil.The mass is returned to the soil.
B The reactants of photosynthesis are used as the reactants of respiration.The reactants of photosynthesis are used as the reactants of respiration.
C The products of photosynthesis are shuttled back into the photosynthesis reaction as reactants.The products of photosynthesis are shuttled back into the photosynthesis reaction as reactants.
D The mass produced by the photosynthesis reaction is used by the plant to fuel respiration and is turned into carbon dioxide, water, and energy.The mass produced by the photosynthesis reaction is used by the plant to fuel respiration and is turned into carbon dioxide, water, and energy.
D The mass produced by the photosynthesis reaction is used by the plant to fuel respiration and is turned into carbon dioxide, water, and energy.
D The mass produced by the photosynthesis reaction is used by the plant to fuel respiration and is turned into carbon dioxide, water, and energy.
The correct answer is D - The mass produced by the photosynthesis reaction is used by the plant to fuel respiration and is turned into carbon dioxide, water, and energy.
To arrive at this answer, let's examine the process of photosynthesis and respiration in plant cells:
During photosynthesis, plants use sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to produce glucose (a type of sugar) and oxygen. This process occurs in the chloroplasts, which are specialized structures found in plant cells.
The glucose produced by photosynthesis serves as a source of energy for the plant. It can be used immediately or stored as starch for later use. The glucose is then broken down through a process called respiration to release energy, similar to how humans convert food into energy.
In respiration, the plant combines glucose and oxygen from the surrounding environment, producing carbon dioxide, water, and energy. The energy released is used by the plant for various cellular activities.
So, most of the mass gained by the plant cell through photosynthesis is used by the plant to fuel respiration. This process converts the glucose into carbon dioxide, water, and energy, which are essential for the survival and growth of the plant.