If a voltage is applied to two platinum wires (electrodes) immersed in water, then water molecules become split into H2 and O2 gas. At the negative electrode, electrons are donated and H2 gas is released; at the positive electrode, electrons are accepted and O2 gas is produced. When photosynthetic bacteria and plant cells split water, they produce O2, but no H2. Why?

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If a voltage is applied to two platinum wires (electrodes) immersed in water, then water molecules become split into H2 and O2 gas. At the negative electrode, electrons are donated and H2 gas is released; at the positive electrode, electrons are accepted and O2 gas is produced. When photosynthetic bacteria and plant cells split water, they produce O2, but no H2. Why?

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