Which molecule, synthesized by plants and other photoautotrophs, is a major source of energy for cellular processes in both plants and animals?
a
Wax
b
Nucleic acid
c
Chlorophyll
d
Glucose
d. Glucose
The correct answer is d. Glucose. Glucose is a molecule synthesized by plants and other photoautotrophs through the process of photosynthesis. It serves as a major source of energy for cellular processes in both plants and animals.
The correct answer is d) Glucose.
To find the correct molecule that serves as a major source of energy for cellular processes in both plants and animals, let's break down the different options provided.
a) Wax: Wax is a type of lipid that serves as a protective coating for plants. While it has certain functions in the plant, it is not a major source of energy for cellular processes.
b) Nucleic acid: Nucleic acids, such as DNA and RNA, are important for genetic information and protein synthesis. However, they are not primarily responsible for providing energy in cells.
c) Chlorophyll: Chlorophyll is a pigment responsible for capturing sunlight during photosynthesis in plants. Although it is crucial for converting light energy into chemical energy, it is not the direct source of energy for cellular processes.
d) Glucose: Glucose is a simple sugar, or carbohydrate, that is synthesized by plants during photosynthesis. It serves as a primary source of energy for cellular processes in both plants and animals, through a process called cellular respiration.
By analyzing each option, we can conclude that glucose is the correct answer, d), as it is the molecule that provides energy for cellular processes in plants and animals.