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In a series of experiments, the rate of photosynthesis in plant cells was measured in environments with different concentrations of carbon dioxide - VCE - SSCE Biology - Question 6 - 2021 - Paper 1
Question 6
In a series of experiments, the rate of photosynthesis in plant cells was measured in environments with different concentrations of carbon dioxide. All other variabl... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:In a series of experiments, the rate of photosynthesis in plant cells was measured in environments with different concentrations of carbon dioxide - VCE - SSCE Biology - Question 6 - 2021 - Paper 1
Step 1
Which one of the following graphs reflects the trend that would be shown by the results of these experiments?
Answer
To analyze the trend of photosynthesis in relation to carbon dioxide concentration, we must understand that photosynthesis generally increases as carbon dioxide levels rise, up to a certain point.
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Initial Increase: As carbon dioxide concentration increases from low levels, the rate of photosynthesis will increase because carbon dioxide is a key reactant in the photosynthesis equation.
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Plateau Phase: After reaching a saturation point, further increases in carbon dioxide will not lead to substantial rises in the rate of photosynthesis. At this stage, other factors (such as light intensity or temperature) may become limiting.
Given these points, graph C, which shows an initial increase and then a plateau as carbon dioxide concentration increases, accurately reflects the expected trend of photosynthesis rates.