Which group of organisms is capable of carrying out photosynthesis?

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

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that photosynthesis is the process by which certain organisms convert light energy into chemical energy, producing glucose and oxygen from carbon dioxide and water.
2. Identify the groups of organisms known to perform photosynthesis: these include plants, algae, and cyanobacteria, all of which contain pigments like chlorophyll that capture light energy.
3. Recognize that fungi and most bacteria do not perform photosynthesis; fungi are heterotrophs that absorb nutrients, and most bacteria lack photosynthetic pigments, except for cyanobacteria which are a special group of bacteria capable of photosynthesis.
4. Note that viruses and prions are not living organisms and do not carry out metabolic processes such as photosynthesis.
5. Understand that animals and protozoa are heterotrophic organisms that obtain energy by consuming other organisms, not by photosynthesis.