Do plants undergo cellular respiration, and if so, what is the primary purpose of this process?

• A. Yes, to produce oxygen as a byproduct for cellular activities.
• B. No, plants rely solely on sunlight for their energy needs.
• C. Yes, to convert glucose into energy for cellular activities.
• D. No, plants only perform photosynthesis to produce energy.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that cellular respiration is a process that occurs in the mitochondria of cells, where glucose is converted into ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the energy currency of the cell.
2. Recognize that plants, like all eukaryotic organisms, undergo cellular respiration. This process is essential for converting the glucose produced during photosynthesis into usable energy.
3. Identify the primary purpose of cellular respiration in plants: to convert glucose into ATP, which is used to power various cellular activities and processes.
4. Differentiate between photosynthesis and cellular respiration: Photosynthesis occurs in the chloroplasts and converts light energy into chemical energy stored in glucose, while cellular respiration occurs in the mitochondria and converts glucose into ATP.
5. Acknowledge that oxygen is a byproduct of photosynthesis, not cellular respiration. Cellular respiration actually consumes oxygen and produces carbon dioxide and water as byproducts.