In a closed container in a lab, a live plant was placed and sensors were set up to monitor oxygen levels over an 8-hour period. The plant performed photosynthesis during this time. Photosynthesis is the process by which plants convert sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide into glucose and oxygen.
During daylight hours, plants undergo the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis. In this process, sunlight is absorbed by chlorophyll in the plant's leaves. The energy from the sunlight is used to split water molecules into hydrogen ions, electrons, and oxygen gas. The released oxygen is then released into the surrounding environment.
As a result, during the daylight hours of the 8-hour study, the oxygen levels in the container would have increased. This is because the plant was producing oxygen through photosynthesis.
During nighttime hours, plants undergo the light-independent reactions, also known as the Calvin cycle. In this process, plants use the energy stored in the glucose molecules produced during the light-dependent reactions to produce more glucose. Carbon dioxide is taken in from the environment, and oxygen is released as a byproduct.
During the nighttime hours of the 8-hour study, the oxygen levels in the container would have decreased. This is because the plant was using oxygen for cellular respiration, a process that occurs day and night, to release the energy stored in glucose.
Overall, the levels of oxygen in the container would have fluctuated over the 8-hour study period. During daylight hours, the oxygen levels would have increased due to photosynthesis, and during nighttime hours, the oxygen levels would have decreased due to cellular respiration. These fluctuations in oxygen levels are a result of the plant's metabolic processes.
