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A scientist compares the rate of photosynthesis in two identical plants. Plant A is exposed to white light, while Plant B is exposed to green light of the same intensity. Which plant would likely show a higher rate of photosynthesis and why?

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  • APlant A, because white light contains all colors, allowing more efficient absorption.
  • BPlant B, because green light directly stimulates chlorophyll.
  • CBoth plants would show the same rate, as light intensity is the same.
  • DPlant A, because green light is mostly reflected by chlorophyll, making it less effective for photosynthesis.
Explanation

Chlorophyll, the primary photosynthetic pigment, absorbs most colors of the visible spectrum except green light, which it largely reflects. Therefore, a plant exposed to white light (containing all colors) will absorb more light energy and thus exhibit a higher rate of photosynthesis than a plant exposed to green light.

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