Which statement best describes the relationship between photosynthesis and cellular respiration?

• A. Photosynthesis stores energy in glucose molecules, while cellular respiration releases energy from glucose.
• B. Both photosynthesis and cellular respiration consume oxygen and produce carbon dioxide.
• C. Cellular respiration converts light energy into chemical energy, while photosynthesis breaks down glucose.
• D. Photosynthesis and cellular respiration are unrelated processes that occur in different organisms.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Begin by understanding the processes of photosynthesis and cellular respiration. Photosynthesis is the process by which plants, algae, and some bacteria convert light energy into chemical energy stored in glucose molecules. Cellular respiration, on the other hand, is the process by which organisms break down glucose to release energy in the form of ATP.
2. Step 2: Analyze the role of oxygen and carbon dioxide in both processes. Photosynthesis consumes carbon dioxide and water, producing glucose and oxygen as byproducts. Cellular respiration consumes glucose and oxygen, producing carbon dioxide and water as byproducts.
3. Step 3: Compare the energy dynamics of the two processes. Photosynthesis stores energy by synthesizing glucose molecules, while cellular respiration releases energy by breaking down glucose molecules into ATP, which is used for cellular activities.
4. Step 4: Evaluate the relationship between the two processes. Photosynthesis and cellular respiration are interconnected; the oxygen produced during photosynthesis is used in cellular respiration, and the carbon dioxide produced during cellular respiration is used in photosynthesis.
5. Step 5: Eliminate incorrect statements based on the above analysis. For example, cellular respiration does not convert light energy into chemical energy, and photosynthesis and cellular respiration are not unrelated processes—they are complementary processes that occur in many organisms.