Chapter 8, Problem 47A

Summary Introduction

To predict:

The effects on cellular respiration if an animal eats contaminated tomatoes.

Introduction:

Cadmium is a heavy metal that is toxic to humans, plants and animals. It is present as a contaminant in soil. The given graph shows the effect of cadmium on size of leaf, chlorophyll content and rate of photosynthesis.

Answer to Problem 47A

Cadmium has a negative effect on photosynthesis. If an animal eats contaminated tomatoes, it can be assumed that his cellular respiration will also get lowered.

Explanation of Solution

Cadmium makes the leaf smaller and decreases the chlorophyll content. It slows down rate of photosynthesis. So if an animal eats cadmium toxic tomato plant, one can assume that the rate of cellular respiration will also decrease because both photosynthesis and cellular respiration share similar molecules and pathways. Since photosynthesis rate decreases due to cadmium, less number of glucose molecules will be available to the animal. So the animal would get less energy from the tomato plant.