Which of the following organisms performs photosynthesis?

• A. Protozoa that lack chloroplasts (e.g., Amoeba)
• B. Fungi (e.g., mushrooms)
• C. Green plants (e.g., a maple tree)
• D. Humans

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that photosynthesis is the biological process by which organisms convert light energy into chemical energy, typically using chlorophyll within chloroplasts to produce glucose and oxygen from carbon dioxide and water.
2. Identify the key requirement for photosynthesis: the presence of chloroplasts or similar structures containing chlorophyll.
3. Evaluate each organism group: Protozoa like Amoeba lack chloroplasts and therefore cannot perform photosynthesis.
4. Recognize that fungi, such as mushrooms, do not have chloroplasts and obtain nutrients through absorption, not photosynthesis.
5. Confirm that green plants, such as a maple tree, contain chloroplasts and perform photosynthesis, while humans do not have chloroplasts and rely on consuming organic material for energy.