A photosynthetically active plant in moist soil and full sun is respiring rapidly. What would be the NET carbon cycle status of this plant at this point in time? A) It is a net exporter of carbon, returning large amounts of carbon to the atmosphere via respiration. B) There is no net gain or loss of carbon; the plant both accumulates and returns carbon to the carbon cycle at roughly equal rates. C) It is a net accumulator of carbon, converting atmospheric carbon primarily into ATP, NADPH and FADH₂. D) It is a net exporter of carbon, returning large amounts of carbon to the atmosphere via the decomposition of dead and decaying plant matter. E) It is a net accumulator of carbon, converting atmospheric carbon primarily into carbohydrates.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A photosynthetically active plant in full sun and moist soil is likely photosynthesizing at a high rate, which means it is absorbing CO2 from the atmosphere and converting it into carbohydrates through the process of photosynthesis. While the plant does respire and release some CO2 back into the atmosphere, the net effect during active photosynthesis, especially in optimal conditions like full sun and sufficient moisture, is the accumulation of carbon in the form of carbohydrates.

A Photosynthetically Active Plant in Moist Soil and Full Sun