After several weeks of no rain during the summer, you observe that leaves of some plants are wilted. Which of the following would you expect to observe at the cellular level with respect to photosynthesis? A)More glucose is going to be produced to compensate for the absence of water. B)The rate of the oxidation and reduction of the thylakoid electron transport chain will be greater than normal. C)More CO₂ will be incorporated into carbohydrate. D)More ATP is going to be synthesized by ATP synthase in the chloroplasts. E)The rate of the reduction of chlorophyll molecules will be decreased.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

During water stress, the rate of photosynthesis decreases. The limited water supply may lead to a decrease in electron flow through the thylakoid electron transport chain, which may cause an increase in the reduction of chlorophyll molecules, leading to photodamage. This would eventually result in damage to the photosynthetic machinery, which leads to the production of reactive oxygen species and ultimately, the wilting of leaves. Therefore, the best choice is E, which states that the rate of the reduction of chlorophyll molecules will be decreased.

After Several Weeks of No Rain During the Summer, You