In the context of energy metabolism, which process is most often described as the opposite of photosynthesis because it breaks down glucose to produce ATP, releasing carbon dioxide and water?

• A. Cellular respiration
• B. Glycolysis
• C. Calvin cycle
• D. Fermentation

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the process of photosynthesis, which converts carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen using light energy.
2. Step 2: Identify the process that reverses this by breaking down glucose to release energy, producing carbon dioxide and water as byproducts.
3. Step 3: Recognize that cellular respiration is the metabolic pathway that breaks down glucose to produce ATP, releasing carbon dioxide and water.
4. Step 4: Differentiate cellular respiration from glycolysis, which is only the initial step of glucose breakdown, and from fermentation, which occurs without oxygen and produces less ATP.
5. Step 5: Conclude that cellular respiration is the process most often described as the opposite of photosynthesis because it completes the breakdown of glucose to release energy.