Who discovered that `CO_(2)` is taken in and `O_(2)` is released by green plants ?

Options

A. Meyer
B. Ijugen Housz
C. Senebier
D. Priestly

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Identify the Scientist**: The question asks for the scientist who discovered that carbon dioxide (CO2) is taken in and oxygen (O2) is released by green plants. The key figure in this discovery is Joseph Priestley.

2. **Historical Context**: Joseph Priestley conducted his experiments in the year 1770. Understanding the historical context is essential as it highlights the time period in which significant discoveries about photosynthesis were made.

3. **Priestley's Experiments**: Priestley performed a series of experiments using a bell jar. He placed a candle and a mouse in a closed environment and observed that both would eventually suffocate due to the depletion of air.

4. **Observation with Plants**: Priestley then introduced a mint plant into the bell jar. He noticed that the mouse survived and the candle continued to burn, indicating that the plant was somehow restoring the air.

5. **Conclusion**: From these observations, Priestley hypothesized that plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, thereby purifying the air. This was a significant step in understanding the role of plants in the ecosystem.

6. **Final Answer**: Therefore, the scientist who discovered that CO2 is taken in and O2 is released by green plants is Joseph Priestley.

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