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Multiple Choice
How does the rate of oxygen production relate to the rate of photosynthesis in plants?
A
Oxygen production is unrelated to the rate of photosynthesis, as oxygen is only produced during cellular respiration.
B
Oxygen production increases as the rate of photosynthesis increases, since oxygen is a byproduct of the light-dependent reactions.
C
Oxygen is not produced during photosynthesis; only carbon dioxide is released.
D
Oxygen production decreases as the rate of photosynthesis increases, because oxygen is consumed during photosynthesis.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the process of photosynthesis. Photosynthesis is the process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy stored in glucose. It occurs in two main stages: the light-dependent reactions and the Calvin cycle (light-independent reactions).
Step 2: Focus on the light-dependent reactions. These reactions occur in the thylakoid membranes of chloroplasts and involve the absorption of light energy by chlorophyll. Water molecules (H₂O) are split during this stage, releasing oxygen (O₂) as a byproduct.
Step 3: Relate oxygen production to the rate of photosynthesis. Since oxygen is produced during the light-dependent reactions, the rate of oxygen production is directly proportional to the rate of photosynthesis. As photosynthesis increases, more water molecules are split, leading to higher oxygen production.
Step 4: Address the misconceptions in the problem. Oxygen is not produced during cellular respiration; it is consumed. Additionally, carbon dioxide is not released during photosynthesis; it is used in the Calvin cycle to produce glucose.
Step 5: Conclude that oxygen production increases as the rate of photosynthesis increases, because oxygen is a byproduct of the light-dependent reactions. This relationship highlights the importance of light energy in driving the production of oxygen during photosynthesis.