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)

O 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 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 metabolize stored sugars for energy, producing CO2 (and H2O) via cellular respiration. Photosynthesis would consume CO2, and the other options are incorrect.