Question
Matter and energy are always conserved in natural processes. Use the equation for photosynthesis to help you respond to the following questions.
Which event would be most harmful to a plant’s ability to conduct photosynthesis?
A fungus damages chloroplasts, preventing chloroplasts from absorbing sunlight.
A mitochondrion malfunctions, preventing mitochondria from producing energy.
A mitochondrion malfunctions, preventing mitochondria from breaking down glucose.
A fungus damages chloroplasts, preventing chloroplasts from storing glucose.
Answers
GPT-4o mini
The event that would be most harmful to a plant's ability to conduct photosynthesis is:
**A fungus damages chloroplasts, preventing chloroplasts from absorbing sunlight.**
Photosynthesis primarily occurs in the chloroplasts, where sunlight is absorbed to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen. If the chloroplasts are damaged and unable to absorb sunlight, the plant cannot produce the energy it needs to carry out photosynthesis effectively. While issues with mitochondria and glucose storage can affect the plant's overall energy and metabolism, the ability to capture sunlight is fundamental to the photosynthetic process itself.
**A fungus damages chloroplasts, preventing chloroplasts from absorbing sunlight.**
Photosynthesis primarily occurs in the chloroplasts, where sunlight is absorbed to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen. If the chloroplasts are damaged and unable to absorb sunlight, the plant cannot produce the energy it needs to carry out photosynthesis effectively. While issues with mitochondria and glucose storage can affect the plant's overall energy and metabolism, the ability to capture sunlight is fundamental to the photosynthetic process itself.