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.

Question

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 model of photosynthesis, the most comprehensive prediction would be:

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

This prediction recognizes that photosynthesis requires multiple inputs (sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide) to produce sugar effectively. Limiting any one of these factors is likely to negatively affect the overall process of photosynthesis and, consequently, sugar production in plants.