Algonquin College Health Program Assessment (AC-HPAT) Practice Exam

Where do most plants primarily conduct photosynthesis?

1. Roots

2. Stems

3. Flowers

4. Leaves

The correct answer is: Leaves

Photosynthesis primarily occurs in the leaves of plants. The leaves contain a high concentration of chloroplasts, which are the organelles that contain chlorophyll, the pigment responsible for capturing light energy from the sun. During photosynthesis, carbon dioxide absorbed from the air and water taken up by the roots are converted into glucose and oxygen using sunlight as an energy source. While roots, stems, and flowers play important roles in the overall function and reproductive processes of the plant, they are not the main sites for photosynthesis. Roots mainly absorb water and nutrients from the soil, stems provide structural support and transport nutrients and water between the roots and leaves, and flowers are involved in reproduction, facilitating the process of pollination and the formation of seeds. Therefore, leaves are specifically adapted for photosynthesis, making them the primary site for this crucial process in plants.