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Multiple Choice
During the process of respiration in the presence of light, which gas do animals primarily release as a byproduct?
A
Carbon dioxide ($\mathrm{CO_2}$)
B
Oxygen ($\mathrm{O_2}$)
C
Hydrogen ($\mathrm{H_2}$)
D
Nitrogen ($\mathrm{N_2}$)
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Begin by understanding the process of respiration in animals. Cellular respiration is the metabolic process where cells convert glucose and oxygen into energy (ATP), releasing byproducts in the process.
Step 2: Recall the chemical equation for aerobic respiration: $ ext{C}_6 ext{H}_{12} ext{O}_6 + 6 ext{O}_2
ightarrow 6 ext{CO}_2 + 6 ext{H}_2 ext{O} + ext{Energy (ATP)}$. This equation shows that carbon dioxide ($ ext{CO}_2$) and water ($ ext{H}_2 ext{O}$) are the primary byproducts.
Step 3: Consider the role of light in this context. While light is not directly involved in cellular respiration, the question specifies respiration in the presence of light, which does not alter the byproducts of respiration.
Step 4: Evaluate the options provided: Carbon dioxide ($ ext{CO}_2$), Oxygen ($ ext{O}_2$), Hydrogen ($ ext{H}_2$), and Nitrogen ($ ext{N}_2$). Based on the chemical equation, carbon dioxide ($ ext{CO}_2$) is the gas animals primarily release as a byproduct during respiration.
Step 5: Conclude that the correct answer is carbon dioxide ($ ext{CO}_2$), as it is the primary gaseous byproduct of cellular respiration in animals.