45 Scientists conducted an investigation to study the possible effects of air pollution on chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b in plants. The scientists gathered plants from polluted areas
and unpolluted areas and then measured the presence of chlorophyll in 50 mg of plant leaves.
The results are shown in the graph.
Concentration of
Chlorophyll
1.8
1.6
1.4
1.2
1.0
Concentration of Pigment
per Leaf (mg/9)
KEY
Chlorophylla
Chlorophyll
0.8
0.6
0.41
0.2
Polluted Unpolluted
area
area
Location
Source: Giri et al., "Effect of Air Pollution on Chlorophyll Content of
Leaves," Current Agriculture Research Joumal, 2013
Which inference do these data support?
A Gene expression for chlorophyll is not affected by pollution.
B Plants in polluted areas can adapt in order to survive.
C Photosynthesis decreases in response to air pollution.
D Cellular respiration increases in plants in polluted areas.