Explain how light splits water, releasing oxygen rather than CO₂; identify plants, algae and cyanobacteria as oxygenic photosynthesizers in IB Biology SL C1.3.3.
A photosynthesis experiment was carried out using an aquatic plant. The image shows the contents of the test tube after being exposed to light and room temperature for 30 minutes.
What explains the presence of bubbles?
Oxygen is formed when carbon dioxide combines with chlorophyll.
Carbon dioxide is formed during the light-dependent reaction.
Oxygen is released when light splits water molecules in chloroplasts.
Carbon dioxide is released from dissociation of sodium hydrogen carbonate.