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Multiple Choice
In what way are the chemical reactions of photosynthesis and cellular respiration similar?
A
Both involve the transfer of electrons through an electron transport chain.
B
Both occur only in plant cells.
C
Both produce glucose as a final product.
D
Both require sunlight as a direct energy source.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the processes of photosynthesis and cellular respiration: Photosynthesis is the process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy stored in glucose, while cellular respiration is the process by which cells break down glucose to release energy in the form of ATP.
Identify the key components of each process: Photosynthesis occurs in the chloroplasts and involves light-dependent reactions and the Calvin cycle. Cellular respiration occurs in the mitochondria and involves glycolysis, the Krebs cycle, and the electron transport chain.
Focus on the role of the electron transport chain (ETC): Both photosynthesis and cellular respiration involve an electron transport chain, which is a series of protein complexes that transfer electrons to generate a proton gradient used to produce ATP.
Eliminate incorrect options: (1) Both occur only in plant cells is incorrect because cellular respiration occurs in both plant and animal cells. (2) Both produce glucose as a final product is incorrect because glucose is produced in photosynthesis but broken down in cellular respiration. (3) Both require sunlight as a direct energy source is incorrect because cellular respiration does not require sunlight.
Conclude that the correct answer is: Both involve the transfer of electrons through an electron transport chain, as this is a shared feature of both processes.