Question

A group of students conducted an experiment to measure how much carbon dioxide (CO₂) is produced by germinating seeds over time. They placed the seeds in a sealed container with a CO₂ sensor and recorded the data every 10 minutes for one hour.

They noticed that the amount of CO₂ steadily increased over the course of the hour.

What is the most likely explanation for the increase in CO₂ levels in the container?

(1 point)
Responses

The seeds are undergoing photosynthesis and releasing CO₂ as a waste product.
The seeds are undergoing photosynthesis and releasing CO₂ as a waste product.

The seeds are performing cellular respiration and releasing CO₂ as a byproduct.
The seeds are performing cellular respiration and releasing CO₂ as a byproduct.

The seeds are absorbing CO₂ to break down sugars.
The seeds are absorbing CO₂ to break down sugars.

The seeds are not alive, so the CO₂ increase must be from the container.

Answer 1

The seeds are performing cellular respiration and releasing CO₂ as a byproduct.

Germinating seeds break down stored sugars for energy via cellular respiration, which produces CO₂. In a sealed container this CO₂ accumulates, causing the steady rise.