To determine which event would be most harmful to a plant's ability to conduct photosynthesis, let's consider the role of chloroplasts and mitochondria in plants.
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Photosynthesis equation: \[ 6CO_2 + 6H_2O + light \ energy \rightarrow C_6H_{12}O_6 + 6O_2 \] (Carbon dioxide + Water + Light energy → Glucose + Oxygen)
This equation shows that photosynthesis occurs in the chloroplasts, where sunlight is converted into chemical energy, stored as glucose.
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Mitochondria's role: Mitochondria are responsible for cellular respiration, which breaks down glucose to release energy for the cell's use.
Now, let's evaluate the options:
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A mitochondrion malfunctions, preventing mitochondria from producing energy.
- While this would impact the plant's energy use for cellular processes, it wouldn't directly affect the ability to conduct photosynthesis.
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A fungus damages chloroplasts, preventing chloroplasts from storing glucose.
- If chloroplasts can't store glucose, the plant won't have a reserve of energy, but photosynthesis could still occur temporarily.
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A mitochondrion malfunctions, preventing mitochondria from breaking down glucose.
- This would affect the plant's energy availability but wouldn't directly stop photosynthesis itself.
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A fungus damages chloroplasts, preventing chloroplasts from absorbing sunlight.
- This would severely limit the plant's ability to photosynthesize at all because sunlight is essential for the process. Without the ability to absorb light, the plant cannot produce glucose and oxygen.
Conclusion: The event that would be most harmful to a plant's ability to conduct photosynthesis is: A fungus damages chloroplasts, preventing chloroplasts from absorbing sunlight.
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