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

Answer 1

A suitable question that Jarrick could ask to find out how the single-celled alga can undergo 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, as it inquires if the products of one process serve as the reactants for the other, highlighting the interconnectedness of photosynthesis and respiration in the organism.

• Option b is more about the necessity of water rather than how the processes relate.
• Option c only focuses on one component of photosynthesis.
• Option d discusses inputs, but it does not explore the relationship in terms of outputs and inputs.

Therefore, option a is the most relevant question to understand how both processes can occur in the alga.