Cell types with full photosynthetic machinery — Antenna complexes (light-harvesting), photosynthetic electron transport chains, and carbon fixation (Calvin–Benson cycle) are all present together in which cells?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Plant cells (chloroplast-containing)

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Complete oxygenic photosynthesis requires three coordinated components: light capture (antenna), photochemical electron transfer (ETC), and carbon fixation. This combination is a hallmark of chloroplast-bearing plant cells and many algae.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Plants possess chloroplasts with thylakoid membranes housing antenna and ETC complexes.
  • Carbon fixation (Calvin–Benson cycle) occurs in the chloroplast stroma.
  • Not all bacteria are photosynthetic; many lack these systems entirely.


Concept / Approach:
Choose the cell type that generally and consistently contains all three systems. While some bacteria (for example, cyanobacteria) do have analogous components, the option “bacterial cells” as a blanket statement is overly broad and thus misleading. Animal cells do not photosynthesize, and the citric acid cycle is unrelated to the triad listed.


Step-by-Step Solution:

Identify universal presence of antenna + ETC + Calvin cycle → chloroplast-bearing plant cells.Exclude animals (no photosynthesis) and general bacteria category (not universally true).Select plant cells as the best, consistently correct answer.


Verification / Alternative check:
Chloroplast ultrastructure shows grana/thylakoids with photosystems and stroma enzymes for carbon fixation.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

a) Animals lack photosystems and RuBisCO.b) Statement is not true for all bacteria; many are heterotrophs lacking photosystems and Calvin cycle.d) The citric acid cycle is a respiratory pathway, not photosynthetic.e) Methanogens are anaerobic archaea without oxygenic photosynthesis.


Common Pitfalls:
Generalizing from cyanobacteria to “all bacteria.”


Final Answer:
Plant cells (chloroplast-containing).

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