2. A student is completing an experiment comparing plants in two areas. Both areas have the same type of plants with equal sunlight and equal available water.

Question

Consider how the following changes might affect the photosynthesis rate for the plants in area 2.

a. What would happen if the student reduced the amount of carbon dioxide available for plants in area 2?

(1 point)
Responses

The plants in area 2 would have a lower rate of photosynthesis than the plants in area 1.
The plants in area 2 would have a lower rate of photosynthesis than the plants in area 1.

The plants in area 2 would have a faster rate of photosynthesis than the plants in area 1.
The plants in area 2 would have a faster rate of photosynthesis than the plants in area 1.

The plants would both experience a reduced rate of photosynthesis.
The plants would both experience a reduced rate of photosynthesis.

The plants would have the same rate of photosynthesis.
The plants would have the same rate of photosynthesis.
Question 2
b. What would happen if the student increased the carbon dioxide available for the plants in area 2?(1 point)
Responses

The plants in area 2 would photosynthesize faster than the plants in area 1.
The plants in area 2 would photosynthesize faster than the plants in area 1.

The plants in area 2 would photosynthesize slower than the plants in area 1.
The plants in area 2 would photosynthesize slower than the plants in area 1.

The plants in area 2 would stop photosynthesizing.
The plants in area 2 would stop photosynthesizing.

The plants in area 1 would stop photosynthesizing.

Answer 1

Question 2a: What would happen if the student reduced the amount of carbon dioxide available for plants in area 2?

• The correct response is: The plants in area 2 would have a lower rate of photosynthesis than the plants in area 1.

Explanation: Carbon dioxide is a key reactant in the process of photosynthesis. Reducing the concentration of carbon dioxide in area 2 would limit the plants' ability to convert light energy into chemical energy, resulting in a lower rate of photosynthesis compared to area 1, where carbon dioxide levels remain unchanged.

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Question 2b: What would happen if the student increased the carbon dioxide available for the plants in area 2?

• The correct response is: The plants in area 2 would photosynthesize faster than the plants in area 1.

Explanation: An increase in carbon dioxide concentration would supply more of this critical reactant needed for photosynthesis. If all other conditions (sunlight and water) remain the same, the plants in area 2 would be able to photosynthesize at a higher rate compared to the plants in area 1.