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A plant wilted but later recovered - VCE - SSCE Biology - Question 3 - 2002 - Paper 1
Question 3
A plant wilted but later recovered. During the time the leaves were wilted, the rate of photosynthesis decreased because A. enzymes in the leaf cells were denatured... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:A plant wilted but later recovered - VCE - SSCE Biology - Question 3 - 2002 - Paper 1
Step 1
C. the amount of light reaching the plant was reduced.
Answer
The primary reason the rate of photosynthesis decreases when a plant wilts is predominantly due to the reduction in light availability. When leaves wilt, they may also curl or droop, leading to a diminished surface area exposed to sunlight. Sufficient light is crucial for photosynthesis, as it provides the energy needed for the process to occur.
Without enough light, the chlorophyll in the leaves cannot effectively absorb the sunlight required for the conversion of carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen. While other factors like reduced enzymatic activity or carbon dioxide levels can play a role, the direct impact of reduced light is the most significant factor affecting photosynthesis during wilting.