Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video
Multiple Choice
What would most likely happen to a plant cell if its chloroplasts stopped functioning properly?
A
The cell would switch to using mitochondria for photosynthesis.
B
The cell would begin to produce more oxygen than usual.
C
The cell would be unable to perform photosynthesis and would eventually lack the energy needed for survival.
D
The cell would continue to produce glucose at the same rate as before.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the role of chloroplasts in plant cells. Chloroplasts are organelles responsible for photosynthesis, the process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy stored in glucose. This process also produces oxygen as a byproduct.
Step 2: Recognize that mitochondria are not involved in photosynthesis. Mitochondria are responsible for cellular respiration, where glucose is broken down to produce ATP (energy). They cannot replace chloroplasts for photosynthesis.
Step 3: Analyze the consequences of chloroplast malfunction. If chloroplasts stop functioning, the plant cell cannot perform photosynthesis, leading to a lack of glucose production. Glucose is essential for energy and growth.
Step 4: Consider the impact on oxygen production. Since oxygen is a byproduct of photosynthesis, a malfunction in chloroplasts would result in reduced or no oxygen production.
Step 5: Conclude that without photosynthesis, the plant cell would eventually lack the energy needed for survival, as it cannot produce glucose or oxygen, which are vital for its metabolic processes.