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 the chamber.

Answer 1

Scientists can analyze the volumes of carbon dioxide (CO2) and oxygen (O2) in the chamber to determine whether photosynthesis or cellular respiration is occurring. During photosynthesis, plants consume CO2 and release O2, leading to a decrease in CO2 levels and an increase in O2 levels over time. Conversely, during cellular respiration, organisms consume O2 and produce CO2, resulting in a rise in CO2 levels and a decline in O2 levels. By monitoring these changes, scientists can infer which process is dominant in the chamber: a net increase in O2 and decrease in CO2 suggests photosynthesis, while a net decrease in O2 and increase in CO2 indicates cellular respiration.