An organism is sealed in a chamber. Scientists measure the amount of carbon dioxide and oxygen in the chamber. In 3–5 sentences, explain how they can use the volumes of these gases to determine if photosynthesis or cellular respiration is occurring in in the chamber.

2 answers

Scientists can determine if photosynthesis or cellular respiration is occurring by measuring the changes in the volumes of carbon dioxide (CO2) and oxygen (O2) in the sealed chamber. During photosynthesis, organisms like plants take in CO2 and release O2, typically resulting in a decrease in CO2 levels and an increase in O2 levels. Conversely, during cellular respiration, organisms consume O2 and produce CO2, leading to a decrease in O2 levels and an increase in CO2 levels. By analyzing the gas volume changes over time, scientists can infer whether photosynthesis is dominating, indicated by rising O2 and falling CO2 levels, or if cellular respiration is occurring, indicated by rising CO2 and falling O2 levels.

shorten this down to 3 sentences