The picture shows a leaf found on an autotrophic plant.

The cells in this leaf are making their own energy by the process of

a
photosynthesis, where carbon dioxide and sunlight at Q and R are taken in and then converted into glucose and oxygen at S and T.
b
respiration, where carbon dioxide and oxygen at Q and R are taken in and then converted into thermal energy and methane gas at S and T.
c
respiration, where oxygen and sunlight at Q and R are taken in and then converted into carbon dioxide and glucose at S and T.
d
photosynthesis, where glucose and oxygen at Q and R are taken in and then converted into water vapor and thermal energy at S and T.

a

photosynthesis, where carbon dioxide and sunlight at Q and R are taken in and then converted into glucose and oxygen at S and T.

The correct answer is a) photosynthesis, where carbon dioxide and sunlight at Q and R are taken in and then converted into glucose and oxygen at S and T.

The correct answer is a) photosynthesis, where carbon dioxide and sunlight at Q and R are taken in and then converted into glucose and oxygen at S and T.

Photosynthesis is the process by which autotrophic plants, like the one shown in the picture, convert carbon dioxide and solar energy into glucose and oxygen. The leaf contains specialized cells called chloroplasts, which contain a pigment called chlorophyll. Chlorophyll absorbs sunlight, which is then used in the process of photosynthesis.

To determine the correct answer, we can analyze the options provided:

a) photosynthesis: This option correctly describes the process of photosynthesis, where carbon dioxide and sunlight are taken in and converted into glucose and oxygen.

b) respiration: Respiration is the process by which cells release energy from glucose. While respiration does occur in plants, it is not the primary process by which autotrophs generate energy.

c) respiration: This option incorrectly states that respiration occurs in the leaf of an autotrophic plant when oxygen and sunlight are taken in. Respiration does involve oxygen, but it does not depend on sunlight.

d) photosynthesis: This option incorrectly states that photosynthesis involves the conversion of glucose and oxygen into water vapor and thermal energy. In reality, photosynthesis produces glucose and oxygen, not the reverse.

To recap, the process described in the picture and the corresponding correct answer is a) photosynthesis, where carbon dioxide and sunlight are taken in and converted into glucose and oxygen.