Cyanobacteria are believed to generate the majority of oxygen gas in Earth's atmosphere. What allows them to produce oxygen?
A) photosynthesis in which H₂S is the electron source
B) photosynthesis in which water photolysis produces H+, e-, and O₂
C) bacteriorhodopsin-based photosynthesis
D) being near the surface of a pond where more oxygen is available
E) possession of a variety of chlorophylls to absorb a wide range of wavelengths of light

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Cyanobacteria perform oxygenic photosynthesis in which water is split into oxygen, hydrogen ions (H+), and electrons (e-) through the process of photolysis. This produces O2 as a waste product, which is released into the environment.

Cyanobacteria Are Believed to Generate the Majority of Oxygen Gas