Which group of organisms is capable of carrying out photosynthesis?

• A. All bacteria, because they all contain chloroplasts
• B. Plants, algae, and cyanobacteria
• C. All animals, using mitochondria to capture light energy
• D. Fungi and most protozoa

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the process of photosynthesis: it is the conversion of light energy into chemical energy by certain organisms, primarily using chlorophyll pigments.
2. Identify which organisms have the cellular structures necessary for photosynthesis. Chloroplasts are the organelles in plants and algae where photosynthesis occurs, but some bacteria, like cyanobacteria, perform photosynthesis without chloroplasts.
3. Recognize that not all bacteria contain chloroplasts; only cyanobacteria among bacteria can carry out photosynthesis.
4. Note that animals and fungi do not perform photosynthesis because they lack chlorophyll and the necessary cellular machinery; animals use mitochondria for cellular respiration, not for capturing light energy.
5. Conclude that the group capable of photosynthesis includes plants, algae, and cyanobacteria, as they possess the pigments and structures required to convert light energy into chemical energy.