A student is observing a single-celled alga and knows that it undergoes photosynthesis and respiration. Which question could the student ask to find out how it can do both processes?

Question

a
Are the inputs of photosynthesis the same as the outputs of respiration?
b
Is carbon dioxide needed for the process of photosynthesis?
c
Is water needed for the processes of respiration and photosynthesis?
d
Are the inputs of photosynthesis the same as the inputs of respiration?

Answer 1

The best question for the student to ask in order to find out how the single-celled alga can perform both photosynthesis and respiration is:

a. Are the inputs of photosynthesis the same as the outputs of respiration?

This question directly addresses the relationship between the two processes. Photosynthesis produces glucose and oxygen from carbon dioxide and water, while respiration uses glucose and oxygen to produce carbon dioxide and water. Understanding this relationship can help the student grasp how the alga can engage in both processes simultaneously.