Which statement best explains how aerobic respiration functions to cycle matter and energy within a cell?
a
Respiration breaks down glucose and releases energy in the form of ATP.
b
Respiration converts glucose to alcohol using free electrons as energy.
c
Respiration uses sunlight energy to create glucose from carbon dioxide and water.
d
Respiration produces glucose from carbon dioxide and releases energy in the form of free electrons.
a
Respiration breaks down glucose and releases energy in the form of ATP.
The best statement that explains how aerobic respiration functions to cycle matter and energy within a cell is option a: Respiration breaks down glucose and releases energy in the form of ATP.
The statement that best explains how aerobic respiration functions to cycle matter and energy within a cell is option a: "Respiration breaks down glucose and releases energy in the form of ATP."
To understand why this is the correct answer, it's important to understand the process of aerobic respiration. Aerobic respiration is a process that occurs in the presence of oxygen and involves breaking down glucose molecules to release energy. Here is a step-by-step explanation:
1. Glycolysis: The process of aerobic respiration begins with glycolysis, which occurs in the cytoplasm of the cell. During glycolysis, a molecule of glucose is broken down into two molecules of pyruvate. Some ATP molecules are produced during this step.
2. Krebs cycle: Once the pyruvate is produced, it enters the mitochondria. In the mitochondria, the pyruvate is further broken down in a series of reactions known as the Krebs cycle. During this cycle, more ATP molecules are generated, along with molecules like NADH and FADH2, which carry high-energy electrons.
3. Electron transport chain: The high-energy electrons carried by NADH and FADH2 from the Krebs cycle are transferred to the electron transport chain. This chain is located in the inner mitochondrial membrane. As the electrons move along the chain, their energy is used to create a proton gradient. This gradient then drives the synthesis of ATP through a process called oxidative phosphorylation.
Overall, aerobic respiration involves breaking down glucose and releasing energy in the form of ATP. This process is critical for the cycling of matter and energy within cells. It allows cells to convert the energy stored in glucose into a usable form (ATP) for various cellular functions.