Question

a student sets up two identical plants under the same light and temperature. plant a is placed in a chamber with extra carbon dioxide. what is the best explanation for what will happen to both plants?
a plant b will produce more oxygen because extra carbon dioxide slows down the rate of photosynthesis.
b plant a will produce more oxygen because the extra carbon dioxide will decrease the rate of photosynthesis.
c plant b will produce more oxygen because the extra carbon dioxide will increase the rate of photosynthesis.
d photosynthesis happens at the same rate no matter how much carbon dioxide is available.

Explanation:

Carbon dioxide is a reactant in photosynthesis. According to the principle of limiting factors in photosynthesis, when other conditions (like light and temperature) are the same, an increase in the concentration of carbon dioxide (a reactant) can increase the rate of photosynthesis. Since oxygen is a product of photosynthesis, a higher rate of photosynthesis means more oxygen production. Plant B has extra carbon dioxide, so it will have a higher photosynthesis rate and produce more oxygen.

Answer:

B. Plant B will produce more oxygen because the extra carbon dioxide will increase the rate of photosynthesis.