Suppose You Explored a New Planet and Found a Photosynthetic

question 27

Multiple Choice

Suppose you explored a new planet and found a photosynthetic organism unlike any on Earth. You repeat Engelmann's classic experiment using this new organism in place of Spirogyra and find that oxygen-dependent bacteria cluster near the green and yellow portions of the spectrum. What does this tell you?

• A) The sun of this new planet emits different wavelengths of light than our own.
• B) This new organism is using yellow and green light to drive photosynthesis.
• C) This organism appears green, just like plants on Earth.
• D) This organism utilizes the most energy-rich photons of the spectrum.
• E) This new organism is using blue and red light to drive photosynthesis.

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Definitions:

Sodium

A chemical element with the symbol Na, known for its high reactivity and essential role in biological systems, especially in nerve impulse conduction.

Covalent

Pertaining to chemical bonds formed by the sharing of one or more pairs of electrons between atoms.

Ionic

Relating to ions; typically describes chemical bonds formed between atoms when electrons are transferred, resulting in charged particles.

Metallic

Pertaining to elements that exhibit metallic properties, including luster, conductivity, and malleability.