Question

question 8 of 25
why do plants produce more carbon dioxide than oxygen during the night?
a. respiration can happen without sunlight, but photosynthesis cannot.
b. photosynthesis only produces carbon dioxide during the night.
c. respiration can only occur when there is no available sunlight.
d. respiration produces oxygen during the day and carbon dioxide at night.

Explanation:

Plants perform respiration continuously (day and night) as it is a metabolic process for energy production. Photosynthesis, which produces oxygen and consumes carbon dioxide, requires sunlight. At night, without sunlight, photosynthesis stops. Since respiration continues (producing carbon dioxide) and photosynthesis (which would produce oxygen) is halted, plants produce more carbon dioxide than oxygen at night. Option B is incorrect as photosynthesis produces oxygen (not carbon dioxide) during the day (when it occurs). Option C is wrong because respiration occurs all the time (with or without sunlight). Option D is incorrect as respiration always consumes oxygen and produces carbon dioxide (not the reverse at different times).

Answer:

A. Respiration can happen without sunlight, but photosynthesis cannot.