Which group of organisms is capable of performing photosynthesis?

• A. Fungi, because they absorb nutrients from their environment
• B. All animals, because they have mitochondria
• C. Plants, algae, and cyanobacteria
• D. Viruses, because they contain genetic material

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the process of photosynthesis: it is the ability of certain organisms to convert light energy into chemical energy, producing glucose and oxygen from carbon dioxide and water.
2. Identify the key characteristic required for photosynthesis: the presence of chlorophyll or similar pigments that capture light energy.
3. Evaluate each group: Fungi absorb nutrients but do not perform photosynthesis; animals have mitochondria for cellular respiration but cannot photosynthesize; viruses lack cellular structures and cannot perform photosynthesis.
4. Recognize that plants, algae, and cyanobacteria contain chlorophyll and have the cellular machinery necessary to carry out photosynthesis.
5. Conclude that the group capable of performing photosynthesis is plants, algae, and cyanobacteria.