Final Answer:
The plant in the beaker under the most intense light likely underwent photosynthesis, releasing oxygen as a byproduct, leading to the observed gas bubbles in 20 minutes.
Step-by-step explanation:
The production of gas bubbles in the 20-minute period indicates the occurrence of photosynthesis. Photosynthesis is the process where plants utilize light energy to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen. The presence of gas bubbles, likely oxygen, suggests that the plant under the most intense light underwent more vigorous photosynthesis compared to the others.
The intensity of light directly impacts the rate of photosynthesis. Higher light intensity generally results in increased photosynthetic activity as more light energy is available for the process. The plant under the most intense light likely received a greater amount of light energy, enabling it to perform photosynthesis more rapidly, thus releasing more oxygen within the 20-minute timeframe.
The relationship between light intensity and photosynthesis is governed by the light-dependent reactions occurring in the chloroplasts of the plant cells. The greater the intensity of light, the more energy available for the synthesis of ATP and NADPH, essential molecules driving the photosynthetic process. Therefore, the plant exposed to the most intense light exhibited a higher rate of photosynthesis, evident from the observed gas bubbles.