Question

St Students in a biology class conduct an experiment to determine the effect of temperature on the rate of photosynthesis in a plant. They place an elodea plant into a test tube filled with water. Then the students place the test tube under a light and slowly increase the temperature of the water. They record their results and display them on a graph as shown. Which statement is supported by the data in the graph?

Answer 1

The rate of oxygen production is greatest in section M is the statement which supports the data in the graph

Explanation:

The data in the graph which plotted the rate of photosynthesis against temperature gradient shows that point M represents the optimal temperature where the rate of photosynthesis was the highest.

This was because the enzymes that take part in photosynthesis are efficient with an optimal rise in temperature leading to an increased rate of photosynthesis which in turn results in increased oxygen production.  

When the temperature is lower than optimal, the enzymes are inactive or less active resulting lower rate of photosynthesis.

At the same time, when the temperature is increased beyond the optimal temperature, they get denatured or destroyed and the rate of photosynthesis drops down.