Question

You are growing algae in culture and expose them to CO2 that contains radiolabeled oxygen. Where

does the radiolabeled oxygen end up after photosynthesis?

(1) water
(2) oxygen
(3) carbon dioxide
(4) carbohydrates
(5) carbon monoxide

Answer 1

The radiolabeled oxygen from the CO2 used in photosynthesis will predominantly end up in the oxygen (O2) that is released as a byproduct.

Step-by-step explanation:

The student asked where the radiolabeled oxygen ends up after photosynthesis when algae are exposed to CO2 that contains radiolabeled oxygen. Through the process of photosynthesis, algae and other photosynthetic organisms use carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O) to produce energy-storing carbohydrates and release oxygen (O2) as a waste product. The chemical equation for photosynthesis is 6CO2 + 6H2O → C6H12O6 + 6O2, highlighting that oxygen molecules are released during this process. Therefore, the radiolabeled oxygen from the CO2 will primarily end up in the oxygen (O2) that is released.