Data Were Collected from the Heterocysts of a Nitrogen-Fixing Cyanobacterium

Multiple Choice

Data were collected from the heterocysts of a nitrogen-fixing cyanobacterium inhabiting equatorial ponds.Study the following figure,and choose the most likely explanation for the shape of the curve. Figure 24.3

A) Enough O₂ enters heterocysts during hours of peak photosynthesis to have a somewhat inhibitory effect on nitrogen fixation.
B) Light-dependent reaction rates must be highest between 1800 hours and 0600 hours.
C) Atmospheric N₂ levels increase at night because plants are no longer metabolizing this gas,so they are not absorbing this gas through their stomata.
D) Heterocyst walls become less permeable to N₂ influx during darkness.