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Correct Answer: photosynthesis takes place only during the day and respiration takes place both day and night.
the process of photosynthesis and respiration in green plants is fundamental to their survival and to the ecosystems around them. to understand which statement is correct among the options provided, it's essential to grasp what each process entails and when it occurs.
photosynthesis is the process by which green plants, algae, and some bacteria convert light energy, usually from the sun, into chemical energy in the form of glucose or sugar. this process takes place in the chloroplasts of plant cells where chlorophyll (the green pigment) captures sunlight. the energy from the light is used to combine carbon dioxide (co2) from the air and water (h2o) from the soil to produce glucose and oxygen (o2). given that this process is dependent on sunlight, photosynthesis occurs only during daylight hours.
respiration, on the other hand, is a process that occurs in the mitochondria of cells where glucose derived from food (including that produced by photosynthesis) is broken down into carbon dioxide, water, and energy (atp). this process is crucial for providing the energy that plants need for growth, reproduction, and other metabolic activities. unlike photosynthesis, respiration does not depend on light, and therefore it occurs both day and night.
considering the explanations provided:
- the statement that "both photosynthesis and respiration take place only during the day" is incorrect because, as explained, respiration occurs continuously throughout both day and night.
- the statement that "photosynthesis takes place only during the day and respiration takes place both day and night" is correct. this matches our understanding of these two processes, where photosynthesis is light-dependent and occurs only during the day, while respiration happens all the time.
- the statement that "photosynthesis takes place only during the day and respiration takes place only at night" is incorrect because respiration, a critical process for energy production, occurs around the clock.
- the statement that "photosynthesis and respiration take place only during the spring and summer" is incorrect. these processes occur year-round, although the rates may vary with seasonal changes affecting light availability and plant growth phases.
therefore, the correct answer is that "photosynthesis takes place only during the day and respiration takes place both day and night." this understanding is crucial in fields such as botany, ecology, and environmental science, reinforcing the continuous cycle of energy production and usage that sustains plant life and, by extension, life on earth.
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