Florida Teacher Certification Examinations (FTCE) Subject Area Practice Test

What biological process is demonstrated when students place one group of plants in the sun and another in the dark?

1. Respiration

2. Photosynthesis

3. Transpiration

4. Germination

The correct answer is: Photosynthesis

The biological process being demonstrated when students place one group of plants in the sun and another in the dark is photosynthesis. Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants, algae, and some bacteria convert light energy into chemical energy, using carbon dioxide and water to produce glucose and oxygen. When plants are exposed to sunlight, they harness this light energy to synthesize their food, which is essential for their growth and development. In contrast, when plants are placed in the dark, they are deprived of light, which is crucial for the photosynthetic process and will not be able to make food effectively, leading to stunted growth or other negative effects. This direct comparison highlights the importance of sunlight in the photosynthesis process and allows students to observe the difference in growth and health between the two groups of plants, reinforcing an understanding of how plants rely on light for energy production. The other processes, such as respiration, transpiration, and germination, while relevant to plant biology, do not specifically relate to the experiment of comparing light and dark conditions for plant growth. Respiration involves the breakdown of glucose for energy, transpiration is the movement of water through plants, and germination refers to the process of seeds sprouting into new plants.