Tennessee Wastewater Operator Practice Exam

During the process of photosynthesis, what do algae produce?

1. Carbon dioxide

2. Oxygen

3. Methane

4. Amino acids

The correct answer is: Oxygen

During the process of photosynthesis, algae utilize sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water to produce glucose and oxygen. The significance of oxygen production in this process is crucial for many ecosystems, acting as a vital component for aerobic organisms, including humans and other terrestrial and aquatic life forms. Algae play a pivotal role in the oxygen cycle, especially in aquatic environments, where they are primary producers. This means they form the base of the food web, converting solar energy into organic matter while releasing oxygen as a byproduct. Other options do not accurately represent the outcomes of photosynthesis. Carbon dioxide is a reactant rather than a product, methane is a result of anaerobic decomposition, and while amino acids can be formed through various biological processes, they are not a direct product of the photosynthesis process carried out by algae. Hence, the correct answer highlights the essential role oxygen plays in supporting life and sustaining ecosystems.