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
This statement is correct because when leaves begin to wilt, the plant closes its stomata to conserve water. However, this closure prevents CO₂ from entering the leaf, ultimately reducing the rate of photosynthesis since CO₂ is a crucial reactant in this process.
Step 2
B. the chlorophyll of wilting leaves decomposes.
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Answer
While chlorophyll degradation can impact photosynthesis, the key issue during wilting is the stomatal closure rather than chlorophyll decomposition. Thus, this is not the main reason for reduced organic production.
Step 3
C. flaccid mesophyll cells of a leaf are not capable of photosynthesis.
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Answer
Flaccid mesophyll cells can still perform photosynthesis; however, their efficiency may be lowered during wilting. Nonetheless, the closing of stomata is the primary factor affecting photosynthesis.
Step 4
D. accumulation of CO₂ in the leaf inhibits the enzymes required for photosynthesis.
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Answer
While high levels of CO₂ can affect enzymatic activity, the immediate cause of reduced organic molecule production in wilting leaves is primarily due to the stomatal closure rather than CO₂ accumulation.
