To explain the decrease in mass of the dark-grown plants, identify the overall chemical reaction that is occuring in the plant cells and connect it to the cellular process underlying the decrease in mass.

Cellular Respiration is defined as the metabolic pathway, which breakdowns glucose to yield ATP. The correct answer is cellular respiration.

The data given indicates the decrease in the dry mass of the plant. It is due to the cellular respiration that is performed in the absence of light. The plants are kept in dark to avoid photosynthesis. Photosynthesis is the process through which plants prepare their food and get energy. Plants store the excess energy in the form of starch.

Although, the plants require energy to survive. The following points can explain the decrease in mass of the plant:

Therefore, the mass of the plants is kept reducing due to cellular respiration and lack of photosynthesis.

To know more about cellular respiration, refer to the following link:

link

The correct answer is - cellular respiration.

Explanation:

In the provided data the decrease in the dry mass of the plant occurs due to cellular respiration which is performed in absence of light or plants kept in dark places that did not allow the plant to perform photosynthesis.

Even though there is no production of glucose still need to perform cellular respiration for the energy required to perform cellular functions. This causes the mass of the plants kept in dark is reducing.