If you expose a photosynthesizing plant to water that contains both radioactive H and radioactive O, in which of the products of photosynthesis will the radioactive H and O show up?
H in glucose and water, O in O2
When a photosynthesizing plant is exposed to water that contains both radioactive hydrogen (H) and radioactive oxygen (O), the radioactive H and O will show up in the oxygen gas produced during photosynthesis.
During photosynthesis, water molecules (H2O) are split into oxygen gas (O2) and hydrogen ions (H+). The oxygen gas is released into the atmosphere as a byproduct of photosynthesis, while the hydrogen ions are used to fuel the production of ATP, the energy molecule used by plants.
The radioactive hydrogen (H) in the water is incorporated into the hydrogen ions produced during photosynthesis, and since hydrogen is not a component of oxygen gas, it will not show up in the oxygen gas that is released. However, the radioactive oxygen (O) in the water is incorporated into the oxygen gas produced during photosynthesis, and as a result, the oxygen gas will be radioactive.
Therefore, if you expose a photosynthesizing plant to water that contains both radioactive H and radioactive O, the radioactive H will not show up in any of the products of photosynthesis, while the radioactive O will show up in the oxygen gas produced as a byproduct of photosynthesis.
More Answers:
Genetics: From DNA to Inherited Traits and Genetic EngineeringDynamic Structure and Functions of Chromatin in Eukaryotic Cells
Photosynthesis: The Calvin Cycle and Reduction of CO2 to Sugar in Chloroplasts