A flask filled with water and organic molecules was left open to the air for an hour and then was tightly stoppered. After being allowed to sit for a week, the flask was reopened and checked for living organisms. Only anaerobic bacteria were found living in it. Which of the following can be assumed about the conditions within the flask during the week it sat tightly stoppered?

a. There was no oxygen in the flask.
b. There were carbon-based gases in the water.
c. Bacteria were able to form from the organic molecules.
d. Sunlight must have entered the flask.

Question

A flask filled with water and organic molecules was left open to the air for an hour and then was tightly stoppered. After being allowed to sit for a week, the flask was reopened and checked for living organisms. Only anaerobic bacteria were found living in it. Which of the following can be assumed about the conditions within the flask during the week it sat tightly stoppered?

	 a. There was no oxygen in the flask.	
	 b. There were carbon-based gases in the water.	
	 c. Bacteria were able to form from the organic molecules.	
	 d. Sunlight must have entered the flask.

jadeishere · Answer

C? there was oxygen, just probably not enough for a living organism to, well, live. Water itself has $$H_{2}O$$ which is one hydrogen and two oxygen, which does manage to produce very little amounts of air. So not A