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Multiple Choice
Which of the following best describes a similarity between photosynthesis and cellular respiration?
A
Both processes occur only in plant cells.
B
Both produce glucose as a final product.
C
Both require sunlight as a direct energy source.
D
Both involve the transfer of electrons through an electron transport chain.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the processes of photosynthesis and cellular respiration: Photosynthesis is the process by which plants, algae, and some bacteria convert light energy into chemical energy stored in glucose. Cellular respiration is the process by which cells break down glucose to produce ATP, the energy currency of the cell.
Recognize the role of electron transport chains in both processes: In photosynthesis, the electron transport chain is part of the light-dependent reactions, where electrons are transferred through protein complexes in the thylakoid membrane to generate ATP and NADPH. In cellular respiration, the electron transport chain is located in the inner mitochondrial membrane and is used to produce ATP through oxidative phosphorylation.
Clarify why the other options are incorrect: Photosynthesis occurs in plant cells and some bacteria, while cellular respiration occurs in nearly all cells, including animal cells. Photosynthesis produces glucose, but cellular respiration breaks it down into ATP. Sunlight is required for photosynthesis but not for cellular respiration, which uses chemical energy from glucose.
Focus on the correct answer: Both processes involve the transfer of electrons through an electron transport chain, which is a key similarity between photosynthesis and cellular respiration.
Summarize the importance of electron transport chains: Electron transport chains are essential for energy conversion in both processes, enabling the synthesis of ATP, which powers cellular activities.