So in the 2018 NHT VCAA exam, the first short answer question provides this information and asks:
Two students noticed bubbles forming on the submerged leaves of an Elodea plant growing in an
aquarium. The bubbles seen on the leaves were the result of a gas formed within the cells of the
leaves. The photograph below shows the appearance of these bubbles.
There was a bright light shining on the aquarium. The bright light was not affecting the temperature
of the water.
a. Describe what occurs within the cells of the leaves to result in the formation of these bubbles. (3 marks)
In my answer I talked about how it could be oxygen from photosynthesis or carbon dioxide from cellular respiration, however in the answers, it says:
Chlorophyll absorbs light energy, water is split to form hydrogen ions or oxygen gas, and oxygen
will diffuse out through the plasma membrane.
Is cellular respiration not also a potential cause of these bubbles?