Which of the following plants can carry out photosynthesis even at $- 20^{\circ} C$ or below freezing point?

Palms

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Marine algae

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Diatoms

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Lichens

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Solution

The correct option is D Lichens
Epilithic antarctic lichens are known to have temperature compensation points well below, $0^{0}$ C, and probably have some photosynthetic metabolism even around - $15^{0}$ C. Photosynthesis below the freezing point could be explained either by the presence of a solute, which prevents ice formation or the carbon fixation enzyme, ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase, remains active at subzero temperatures.
So, the correct answer is option D.

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