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Multiple Choice
Which of the following best describes the impact of cellular respiration on other organisms and the environment?
A
Cellular respiration produces oxygen, which is essential for animal survival.
B
Cellular respiration releases carbon dioxide, which plants use for photosynthesis, thus supporting the carbon cycle.
C
Cellular respiration removes nitrogen from the atmosphere, making it available to plants.
D
Cellular respiration directly converts sunlight into chemical energy.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the process of cellular respiration. Cellular respiration is a metabolic process in which cells break down glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆) in the presence of oxygen (O₂) to produce energy in the form of ATP, along with byproducts such as carbon dioxide (CO₂) and water (H₂O).
Step 2: Analyze the role of carbon dioxide in the environment. The carbon dioxide released during cellular respiration is a critical component of the carbon cycle. Plants use this CO₂ during photosynthesis to produce glucose and oxygen, which are essential for life on Earth.
Step 3: Eliminate incorrect options. Cellular respiration does not produce oxygen; instead, it consumes oxygen. It also does not remove nitrogen from the atmosphere or directly convert sunlight into chemical energy (this is the role of photosynthesis).
Step 4: Connect cellular respiration to the carbon cycle. The release of CO₂ by organisms during cellular respiration supports the carbon cycle by providing the raw material (CO₂) that plants need for photosynthesis, creating a balance between these two processes.
Step 5: Conclude that the correct description is: 'Cellular respiration releases carbon dioxide, which plants use for photosynthesis, thus supporting the carbon cycle.' This highlights the interdependence of organisms and the environment in maintaining ecological balance.