Which statement best explains how aerobic respiration functions to cycle matter and energy within a cell?
a
Respiration produces glucose from carbon dioxide and releases energy in the form of free electrons.
b
Respiration uses sunlight energy to create glucose from carbon dioxide and water.
c
Respiration converts glucose to alcohol using free electrons as energy.
d
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:
d) Respiration breaks down glucose and releases energy in the form of ATP.
The correct statement is: **d) Respiration breaks down glucose and releases energy in the form of ATP.**
Aerobic respiration is a process that takes place in the presence of oxygen and occurs in the mitochondria of cells. It breaks down glucose into carbon dioxide and water, releasing energy in the form of ATP (adenosine triphosphate). This energy is then used by the cell for various cellular processes and functions.
The statement that best explains how aerobic respiration functions to cycle matter and energy within a cell is option d: "Respiration breaks down glucose and releases energy in the form of ATP."
To understand why this statement is correct, let's break it down:
1. "Respiration": This refers to the process by which cells convert glucose into energy.
2. "Breaks down glucose": During aerobic respiration, the glucose molecule is broken down into smaller units, releasing energy.
3. "Releases energy": The breakdown of glucose results in the release of energy, which is essential for the cell's activities.
4. "In the form of ATP": The released energy is primarily captured and stored in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is a molecule that acts as a universal energy carrier in cells.
By breaking down glucose and producing ATP, aerobic respiration allows cells to efficiently utilize energy for various cellular processes. The cycle of matter involves the conversion of glucose into smaller molecules, which can then be used in other metabolic pathways or recycled to build new molecules. Overall, this process is crucial for energy production and the recycling of matter within cells.