Students experimenting with terrariums placed the terrarium shown on the left in bright sunlight. The terrarium on the right was placed in complete darkness.

Question

Why will the plant left in darkness die if left in that environment permanently?

The plant will not be able to find the water it needs to survive.

The plant will make too much oxygen and will poison itself.

The plant will not be able to make the sugar it needs to survive.

The plant will make too much CO2 and will poison itself.

Answer 1

The correct answer is:

The plant will not be able to make the sugar it needs to survive.

Plants need light for photosynthesis, a process that allows them to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose (a type of sugar) and oxygen using the energy from sunlight. Without light, the plant cannot perform photosynthesis and thus cannot produce the sugar it needs for energy and growth, leading to its eventual death if left in darkness permanently.