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Multiple Choice
Which of the following best describes cellular respiration?
A
A process that breaks down proteins to produce amino acids
B
A process that stores energy in the form of glycogen
C
A process by which plants use sunlight to produce glucose and oxygen
D
A process by which cells convert glucose and oxygen into energy, 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 cells to convert biochemical energy from nutrients, primarily glucose, into adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is the energy currency of the cell.
Step 2: Recognize the key inputs and outputs of cellular respiration. The process requires glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆) and oxygen (O₂) as inputs, and it produces energy (ATP), carbon dioxide (CO₂), and water (H₂O) as outputs.
Step 3: Compare the given options to the definition of cellular respiration. Eliminate options that do not match the process of converting glucose and oxygen into energy, carbon dioxide, and water. For example, breaking down proteins to produce amino acids or storing energy as glycogen are unrelated to cellular respiration.
Step 4: Note that photosynthesis, mentioned in one of the options, is a distinct process where plants use sunlight to produce glucose and oxygen. This is not cellular respiration but rather its opposite in terms of energy flow.
Step 5: Identify the correct description of cellular respiration from the options provided. The correct answer is: 'A process by which cells convert glucose and oxygen into energy, carbon dioxide, and water.' This matches the definition and key characteristics of cellular respiration.