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Multiple Choice
Which of the following best describes the primary function of cellular respiration in living organisms?
A
To convert glucose and oxygen into usable energy (ATP), carbon dioxide, and water
B
To synthesize proteins from amino acids
C
To replicate DNA during cell division
D
To produce glucose from carbon dioxide and water
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Begin by understanding the concept of cellular respiration. Cellular respiration is a metabolic process that occurs in the cells of living organisms to convert biochemical energy from nutrients (like glucose) into adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is the primary energy currency of the cell.
Step 2: Recognize the key inputs and outputs of cellular respiration. The process primarily uses glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆) and oxygen (O₂) as inputs, and produces ATP, carbon dioxide (CO₂), and water (H₂O) as outputs. This is summarized by the chemical equation:
Step 3: Compare the given options to the primary function of cellular respiration. The correct answer should align with the process of converting glucose and oxygen into usable energy (ATP), along with carbon dioxide and water as byproducts.
Step 4: Eliminate incorrect options. For example, synthesizing proteins from amino acids is a function of translation during gene expression, not cellular respiration. Similarly, replicating DNA occurs during the S phase of the cell cycle, and producing glucose from carbon dioxide and water is the process of photosynthesis, not cellular respiration.
Step 5: Conclude that the correct answer is: 'To convert glucose and oxygen into usable energy (ATP), carbon dioxide, and water,' as this best describes the primary function of cellular respiration in living organisms.