Which group of organisms can perform photosynthesis (i.e., convert light energy into chemical energy by fixing carbon dioxide)?

• A. Plants, algae, and cyanobacteria
• B. Viruses and protozoa
• C. Animals and fungi
• D. All bacteria, including archaea

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the process of photosynthesis: it is the conversion of light energy into chemical energy by fixing carbon dioxide into organic molecules, primarily glucose.
2. Identify which groups of organisms have the cellular structures necessary for photosynthesis, such as chloroplasts or similar photosynthetic pigments.
3. Recall that plants and algae contain chloroplasts with chlorophyll, enabling them to perform photosynthesis.
4. Recognize that cyanobacteria, a group of photosynthetic bacteria, also perform photosynthesis using pigments similar to those in plants and algae.
5. Note that viruses, protozoa, animals, fungi, and most bacteria (including archaea) do not have the capability to perform photosynthesis because they lack the necessary cellular machinery.