The production of organic molecules in a crop is reduced when leaves begin to wilt because
A - VCE - SSCE Biology - Question 9 - 2005 - Paper 1
Question 9
The production of organic molecules in a crop is reduced when leaves begin to wilt because
A. stomata close preventing the entry of CO₂.
B. the chlorophyll of wiltin... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:The production of organic molecules in a crop is reduced when leaves begin to wilt because
A - VCE - SSCE Biology - Question 9 - 2005 - Paper 1
Step 1
A. stomata close preventing the entry of CO₂.
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Answer
When leaves wilt, the stomata on their surfaces tend to close to prevent water loss through transpiration. This closing reduces the availability of carbon dioxide (CO₂) necessary for the process of photosynthesis, thereby decreasing the production of organic molecules.
Step 2
B. the chlorophyll of wilting leaves decomposes.
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Answer
While chlorophyll decomposition does occur in wilting leaves, it is not the primary reason for the reduced production of organic molecules. The most critical factor affecting photosynthesis is the inability to take in CO₂.
Step 3
C. flaccid mesophyll cells of a leaf are not capable of photosynthesis.
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Answer
Flaccid mesophyll cells indeed become less effective in photosynthesis due to turgor pressure loss. However, the root cause of this (the closing of stomata) is the initial issue that limits CO₂ entry.
Step 4
D. accumulation of CO₂ in the leaf inhibits the enzymes required for photosynthesis.
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Answer
CO₂ accumulation can affect the enzymatic processes within the leaf, but this is often a consequence of excessive water loss and stomatal closure preventing sufficient CO₂ uptake. Thus, it is more of a resultant effect than a primary cause.
