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. (4 points)

5 answers

Scientists can determine if photosynthesis or cellular respiration is occurring in the sealed chamber by measuring the changes in the volumes of carbon dioxide (CO₂) and oxygen (O₂) over time. During photosynthesis, plants absorb CO₂ and release O₂, 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 and an increase in CO₂. By analyzing the trends in these gas volumes, scientists can infer which process is actively taking place within the chamber.

i wrote this but i need one more sentence: If the volume of the carbon dioxide is decreasing while the oxygen volume is increasing, then photosynthesis is occurring. But if the carbon dioxide is increasing and the oxygen volume is decreasing, cellular respiration is occurring.

This pattern of gas exchange provides clear evidence of which metabolic process is dominant, allowing researchers to draw conclusions about the organism's activity within the chamber.

i wrote this:
They can determine this by measuring the relative amounts of oxygen and carbon dioxide. If the volume of the carbon dioxide is decreasing while the oxygen volume is increasing, then photosynthesis is occurring. But if the carbon dioxide is increasing and the oxygen volume is decreasing, cellular respiration is occurring.

To enhance your response, you can add a concluding sentence that summarizes the implications of these observations. Here’s a possible addition:

They can determine this by measuring the relative amounts of oxygen and carbon dioxide. If the volume of the carbon dioxide is decreasing while the oxygen volume is increasing, then photosynthesis is occurring. But if the carbon dioxide is increasing and the oxygen volume is decreasing, cellular respiration is occurring. This analysis allows scientists to understand the metabolic activity of the organism and its role in the ecosystem.