An important step in cellular respiration is
a
the creation of phosphate.
b
the breakdown of glucose.
c
the breakdown of carbon dioxide.
d
the creation of oxygen.
b
the breakdown of glucose.
The correct answer is option b, the breakdown of glucose. Cellular respiration is the process by which cells convert glucose into usable energy in the form of ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate). This energy conversion takes place in the mitochondria of the cell.
To arrive at this answer, you can eliminate the other options:
Option a, the creation of phosphate: While phosphate is involved in cellular respiration, it is not a central step. Phosphate groups are released and transferred during the process of ATP synthesis, but they are not created specifically during cellular respiration.
Option c, the breakdown of carbon dioxide: Carbon dioxide is produced as a waste product during cellular respiration, rather than being broken down.
Option d, the creation of oxygen: Oxygen is required for cellular respiration, but it is not created as a result of this process. Instead, it is consumed during the process of oxidizing glucose to release energy.
Therefore, the most important step in cellular respiration is indeed the breakdown of glucose, as it is the source of energy for the cell.
The correct answer is b) the breakdown of glucose.
Cellular respiration is the process by which cells convert glucose and oxygen into carbon dioxide, water, and ATP (adenosine triphosphate), which is the main energy source for cellular activities. The breakdown of glucose is a crucial step in cellular respiration as it provides the necessary fuel for the production of ATP. This process occurs in the cytoplasm and mitochondria of cells and involves several biochemical reactions, including glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation.