The Arizona poppy is a plant that is native to the southwestern United States. Its orange flower blooms in the summer, and the plant is covered in small hairs. It is an important part of the ecosystem, as at least 46 different species of insects visit the flower for food.

Question

As an Arizona poppy plant carries out photosynthesis, which events do not occur during Stage 1 of the process?
Carbon dioxide is used to make the sugar glucose.
Chlorophyll absorbs light energy.
Oxygen is released as waste.
Water splits into hydrogen and oxygen.

Answer 1

During Stage 1 of photosynthesis, which is also known as the light-dependent reactions, several specific events occur. Here’s a breakdown concerning the events you mentioned:

1. Carbon dioxide is used to make the sugar glucose: This does NOT occur during Stage 1. This process happens during Stage 2 (Calvin cycle or light-independent reactions), where carbon dioxide is fixed to produce glucose.

2. Chlorophyll absorbs light energy: This DOES occur during Stage 1 as chlorophyll captures light energy to kick-start the photosynthesis process.

3. Oxygen is released as waste: This DOES occur during Stage 1 as a byproduct of the splitting of water molecules.

4. Water splits into hydrogen and oxygen: This DOES occur during Stage 1 as part of the light-dependent reactions, where water is broken down to provide electrons and protons.

In summary, the event that does not occur during Stage 1 of photosynthesis is: Carbon dioxide is used to make the sugar glucose.