Question

This space station has plants growing inside it, and astronauts who eat the fruits and vegetables from those plants. Because it is in space, the station is sealed so no material can get in or out. The space station is in Earth’s shadow, so no light is getting into it. The sensors in the space station show that carbon dioxide in the air is increasing. What is happening to the energy storage molecules in the plants and humans in the space station? Explain your answer as completely as possible.

Answer 1

The energy storage molecules will start depleting at a higher rate.

Explanation:

• Since no sunlight is present and the space station is sealed the plant

(containing chlorophyll), will completely depend on energy storage molecules such as Fat, Starch, sugars etc.

• This will result in a reduced growth, a halt in growth and finally the reduction in its produce of vegetables and fruits. If the situation does not change (the plant doesn't receive sunlight for longer time), then the plant will ultimately die.

• Moreover, photosynthesis does not take place and the oxygen released during photosynthesis is lost. Plants use oxygen in chemical reactions just as animals use it in breathing. This reactions produce carbon dioxide but its amount is less than the oxygen produced during photosynthesis.

• As a collective result the amount of carbon dioxide will increase in the sealed space station and moreover the fruits and vegetables produced for astronauts to consume will decrease due to growth halt in plants.

• hence, both the astronauts and plants will eventually become dependent solely on their energy storage molecules. The molecules will start depleting on higher rate.

Answer 2

Answer:

The energy-storing molecules of plants and humans will begin draining at a higher rate.

Explanation:

• As we know, sunlight is crucial for photosynthesis.

• Since there exists no sunlight the plant requires, the space station steals the plant with chlorophyll pigments, which will completely depend on energy-rich storage molecules such as Fat, Starch, sugars(Carbohydrates) etc.

• This will result in ceased growth, a halt in growth and finally leads to a reduction in its production of vegetables and fruits.

• If the situation persists (i.e. the plant fails to receive sunlight for a longer period), then the plant will ultimately wilt & die.

• Moreover, photosynthesis does not take place and the oxygen released during photosynthesis is lost.

• Plants use oxygen in chemical reactions just as we- animals use it in breathing. These reactions yield CO₂ but its amount is less than the oxygen produced during photosynthesis.

• As a collective result, the amount of carbon dioxide will increase in the fixed space station and fruits and vegetables produced for astronauts to consume will decrease due to restricted growth in plants.

Therefore, both the astronauts and plants will eventually become reliant exclusively rely on their energy storage molecules. The molecules will start depleting/draining at a higher rate.  

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