Scientists have invented a way of producing food by artificial photosynthesis.
• Solar panels convert sunlight energy into electricity.
• The electricity powers an electrolysis reaction between carbon dioxide gas and water to form the organic product acetate.
• The single-celled alga Chlamydomonas, a protoctist, can use acetate to grow and reproduce in the dark, instead of photosynthesising in the light.
• The algae can be processed to make a food product.
Fig. 4.1 shows an outline of the artificial photosynthesis process. [Figure 4.1]

Q: What topic does this question test?

This question tests Photosynthesis in A-Level Biology (syllabus code 9700). It is worth 14 marks.

Q: Which exam paper is this question from?

This question appeared in the Cambridge A-Level Biology May/June 2025 examination, Paper 4 Variant 1 (9700_s25_qp_41.pdf).

Question

Scientists have invented a way of producing food by artificial photosynthesis.
• Solar panels convert sunlight energy into electricity.
• The electricity powers an electrolysis reaction between carbon dioxide gas and water to form the organic product acetate.
• The single-celled alga Chlamydomonas, a protoctist, can use acetate to grow and reproduce in the dark, instead of photosynthesising in the light.
• The algae can be processed to make a food product.
Fig. 4.1 shows an outline of the artificial photosynthesis process. [Figure 4.1]

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