what is the definition of cellular respiration?
a. the process of capturing the sun's energy, converting it into oxygen and releasing it into the atmosphere
b. the process of using the chemical energy from hydrogen and oxygen molecules to power life processes
c. the process of using the chemical energy from food and oxygen molecules to power life processes
d. the process of capturing the sun's energy, converting it into sugar and storing it in tissues.
c. the process of using the chemical energy from food and oxygen molecules to power life processes
The definition of cellular respiration is c. the process of using the chemical energy from food and oxygen molecules to power life processes.
To determine the correct definition of cellular respiration, let's analyze the options provided.
a. The process of capturing the sun's energy, converting it into oxygen, and releasing it into the atmosphere: This option is incorrect. The process described here is photosynthesis, not cellular respiration.
b. The process of using the chemical energy from hydrogen and oxygen molecules to power life processes: This option is also incorrect. It describes a different process called hydrogen-oxygen fuel cell or combustion. It is not cellular respiration.
c. The process of using the chemical energy from food and oxygen molecules to power life processes: This option is correct. Cellular respiration refers to the biochemical process through which cells convert the chemical energy from food molecules and oxygen into a form of energy called adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is used to power various life processes in organisms.
d. The process of capturing the sun's energy, converting it into sugar, and storing it in tissues: This option is incorrect. It describes photosynthesis, not cellular respiration.
Therefore, the correct definition of cellular respiration is c. The process of using the chemical energy from food and oxygen molecules to power life processes.