Choose the best explanation as to why both consumers and producers perform cellular respiration.

• A. Consumers perform cellular respiration to release oxygen for producers.
• B. Only consumers require energy from cellular respiration, while producers rely solely on photosynthesis.
• C. Cellular respiration is used by producers to create glucose from sunlight.
• D. Both consumers and producers need to convert glucose into ATP to provide energy for cellular processes.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the purpose of cellular respiration: Cellular respiration is a process that converts glucose into ATP (adenosine triphosphate), which is the primary energy currency of the cell. Both producers (like plants) and consumers (like animals) need ATP to power cellular processes.
2. Clarify the role of producers: Producers, such as plants, perform photosynthesis to create glucose using sunlight. However, they still need to break down this glucose through cellular respiration to generate ATP for their energy needs.
3. Clarify the role of consumers: Consumers, such as animals, obtain glucose by consuming food. They rely on cellular respiration to break down this glucose and produce ATP for their cellular activities.
4. Debunk incorrect options: The first option is incorrect because consumers do not perform cellular respiration to release oxygen; oxygen is a byproduct of photosynthesis, not cellular respiration. The second option is incorrect because producers also require energy from cellular respiration, not just photosynthesis. The third option is incorrect because cellular respiration does not create glucose; it breaks down glucose to produce ATP.
5. Conclude with the correct explanation: Both consumers and producers perform cellular respiration because they need to convert glucose into ATP, which provides the energy required for various cellular processes.