Does aerobic respiration occur in plant cells, and if so, why?

• A. Yes, but only during the night when photosynthesis is not occurring.
• B. Yes, because plant cells require ATP produced by aerobic respiration for cellular activities.
• C. No, because only animal cells perform aerobic respiration.
• D. No, because plant cells rely solely on photosynthesis for energy.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the concept of aerobic respiration. Aerobic respiration is a process where cells use oxygen to break down glucose and produce ATP, the energy currency of the cell. This process occurs in the mitochondria and is essential for cellular activities.
2. Step 2: Recognize that plant cells have mitochondria, just like animal cells, and are capable of performing aerobic respiration. This is because plants, like all living organisms, require ATP to power various cellular processes such as growth, repair, and active transport.
3. Step 3: Clarify the relationship between photosynthesis and aerobic respiration. Photosynthesis occurs in the chloroplasts and produces glucose and oxygen during the day. Aerobic respiration uses this glucose and oxygen to produce ATP, and it occurs continuously, both during the day and night, as long as the plant has access to oxygen.
4. Step 4: Address the misconception that plants rely solely on photosynthesis for energy. While photosynthesis produces glucose, it does not directly produce ATP for cellular activities. Aerobic respiration is necessary to convert the energy stored in glucose into usable ATP.
5. Step 5: Conclude that aerobic respiration occurs in plant cells because they require ATP for cellular activities, and this process is not limited to nighttime; it happens continuously as long as oxygen and glucose are available.