Which group of organisms primarily carries out photosynthesis to convert light energy into chemical energy?

• A. Viruses and prions
• B. Fungi and most bacteria
• C. Plants, algae, and cyanobacteria
• D. Animals and protozoa

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the process of photosynthesis: it is the conversion of light energy into chemical energy, primarily in the form of glucose, using carbon dioxide and water.
2. Identify which organisms have the cellular structures necessary for photosynthesis, such as chloroplasts or similar pigments like chlorophyll.
3. Recognize that plants and algae contain chloroplasts, which are specialized organelles where photosynthesis occurs.
4. Know that cyanobacteria, although prokaryotic and lacking chloroplasts, contain chlorophyll and perform photosynthesis similarly to plants and algae.
5. Eliminate groups that do not perform photosynthesis: viruses and prions are not living cells, fungi and most bacteria do not photosynthesize, and animals and protozoa obtain energy by consuming other organisms rather than producing it via photosynthesis.