1. Which molecule is the major contributor to the increase in mass observed in a full grown plant (i.e. tree) compared to a plant seed?
I'm thinking it could be either of these three: D-glucose, C02, or H20.. help?
To determine which molecule is the major contributor to the increase in mass observed in a full grown plant compared to a plant seed, we need to analyze the process of plant growth.
During plant growth, carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O) are the primary raw materials utilized by plants to produce glucose (C6H12O6) through the process of photosynthesis. This glucose is then used as a building block to synthesize other organic molecules, such as cellulose, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. These organic molecules contribute to the increase in mass of the plant.
So, while all three molecules you mentioned are involved in plant growth, the major contributor to the increase in mass observed in a full grown plant is glucose (C6H12O6). Glucose is the primary energy source and building block for the synthesis of other biomolecules, forming the structural and functional components of the plant's cells and tissues.
Therefore, the correct answer is D-glucose.