Why does matter tend to gain or lose energy in discrete steps, or quanta?

Answer
C. Light exists in discrete steps known as photons.
Explanation
Matter tends to gain or lose energy in discrete steps, or quanta because when an electron is hit by a photon of light, it absorbs the quanta of energy the photon was carrying and moves to a higher energy state.
Therefore, the correct answer to your question is option C. Light exists in discrete steps known as photons.