Question

Bacterial photosynthesis differs from that of higher plants in
(A) Not liberating oxygen
(B) Non-requirement of light
(C) Non-fixation of energy
(D) Requirement of host organism

Answer 1

In 1930, microbiologist Cornelis Bernardus van Niel designed a study which constantly kept a reading of carbon, sulfur and other chemicals that were liberated or used by the colony of bacteria. He found out that bacteria uses hydrogen sulfide and liberated sulfur as a by-product.

Complete Answer:
- Photosynthesis is a process by which plants and many other organisms use light and produce energy rich molecules such as glucose. The higher plant takes the water in by the means of roots and carries out the process.
- Many scientists were interested to know how exactly a certain species of bacteria met their need for energy, the mechanism by which they undertook the process of photosynthesis.
- In 1930, C.B. van Niel made up with the set of the experimental procedure. This procedure mandated the proper record of the amount of chemicals such as carbon, sulfur, etc. that the bacteria absorb or liberates.
- He came up with the conclusion that many species absorbed hydrogen sulfide. This organism used up the hydrogen sulfide and liberated sulfur as a product.

This procedure is different than that in higher plant in two ways;

1. Oxygen is not liberated.
2. Photolysis of water does not occur in bacteria.

Therefore, option (A) not liberating oxygen is the correct answer.

Note: Plants undertakes the process of photolysis of water which releases water as a by-product. On the other hand, bacteria uses hydrogen sulfide which liberates sulfur gas.