Why can't animal cells carry out photosynthesis?

• A. They cannot absorb water from their environment.
• B. They contain too much oxygen, which inhibits photosynthesis.
• C. They do not have mitochondria to produce ATP.
• D. They lack chloroplasts, which are essential for photosynthesis.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the process of photosynthesis: Photosynthesis is the process by which plants, algae, and some bacteria convert light energy into chemical energy stored in glucose. This process requires specific organelles called chloroplasts.
2. Recognize the role of chloroplasts: Chloroplasts contain chlorophyll, a pigment that absorbs light energy, and the machinery necessary for the light-dependent and light-independent reactions of photosynthesis.
3. Compare animal cells to plant cells: Animal cells lack chloroplasts, which are essential for photosynthesis. Instead, animal cells rely on mitochondria to produce ATP through cellular respiration using organic molecules like glucose.
4. Address the incorrect options: Animal cells can absorb water from their environment, oxygen does not inhibit photosynthesis, and animal cells do have mitochondria, but mitochondria are not involved in photosynthesis.
5. Conclude why animal cells cannot perform photosynthesis: Without chloroplasts, animal cells cannot capture light energy or carry out the biochemical reactions required for photosynthesis, making it impossible for them to produce glucose from light energy.