Which type of organisms perform photosynthesis to convert light energy into chemical energy?

• A. Only eukaryotic organisms that have mitochondria
• B. Heterotrophs such as animals and fungi
• C. Only prokaryotes, such as bacteria and archaea
• D. Autotrophs such as plants, algae, and cyanobacteria

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the process of photosynthesis: it is the conversion of light energy into chemical energy, typically in the form of glucose.
2. Identify the types of organisms capable of photosynthesis. These organisms must have the cellular structures or pigments necessary to capture light energy.
3. Recognize that autotrophs are organisms that produce their own food through photosynthesis, including plants, algae, and certain bacteria like cyanobacteria.
4. Note that heterotrophs, such as animals and fungi, cannot perform photosynthesis because they rely on consuming other organisms for energy.
5. Conclude that both eukaryotic autotrophs (plants and algae) and some prokaryotic autotrophs (cyanobacteria) perform photosynthesis, making 'Autotrophs such as plants, algae, and cyanobacteria' the correct answer.