Ms. Smith is a 29-year-old patient at the outpatient psychiatric clinic. While completing her assessment you notice her hands are red, raw, and show signs of recent bleeding. She explains that she washes all her clothes in bleach, and uses the chemical to clean her hands several times a day. She states "I need to sterilize myself and my environment of all germs so I do not get sick." While developing her nursing plan of care, you educate her about the importance of bacteria to the health and well being of not only humans, but also our planet.
-Microorganisms have inhabited the Earth for billions of years,and can be found inhabiting a variety of environments.In fact,microbes performing anoxygenic photosynthesis led to the oxygenation of early Earth's atmosphere.These ancient organisms were ________.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Bacteria are the only option mentioned that are capable of performing photosynthesis and contributing to the oxygenation of the Earth's atmosphere. Eukaryotes are also ancient, but they did not contribute to the oxygenation of the atmosphere. Viruses and prions are not capable of photosynthesis or contributing to the oxygenation of the atmosphere.

Ms Smith Is a 29-Year-Old Patient at the Outpatient Psychiatric