Question

Photosynthesis is the process plants use to convert sunlight into chemical energy. The process of photosynthesis can be modeled to illustrate the most important aspects of the natural phenomenon. Through this process, plants use energy in sunlight to turn carbon dioxide gas and water into sugar. Plants then use this sugar to grow. At the same time, plants produce oxygen gas as a waste product which animals breathe. Read the prompt and evaluate the diagram above. Formulate a cause and effect prediction that can be used to test the assumptions in the model. Responses A limiting water will limit sugar production of the plantlimiting water will limit sugar production of the plant B limiting sunlight will limit sugar production of the plantlimiting sunlight will limit sugar production of the plant C limiting carbon dioxide will limit sugar production of the plantlimiting carbon dioxide will limit sugar production of the plant D limiting sunlight, water, or carbon dioxide will limit sugar production of the plant

Answer 1

To evaluate the assumptions in the photosynthesis model, the best cause and effect prediction that can be made is:

D limiting sunlight, water, or carbon dioxide will limit sugar production of the plant.

This response encompasses the idea that all three key components—sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide—are necessary for the process of photosynthesis to occur effectively. If any one of these resources is limited, it will create a bottleneck that restricts the plant's ability to produce sugar, which is essential for its growth.