Which of the following best describes the relationship between photosynthesis and cellular respiration in plants?

• A. Both processes consume oxygen and release carbon dioxide.
• B. Cellular respiration occurs only in animal cells, while photosynthesis occurs only in plant cells.
• C. Photosynthesis and cellular respiration both produce glucose as their main product.
• D. Photosynthesis stores energy in glucose molecules, while cellular respiration releases that energy for cellular use.

Answer: (D)

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 use sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water to produce glucose and oxygen. Cellular respiration, on the other hand, is the process by which cells break down glucose in the presence of oxygen to release energy in the form of ATP, along with carbon dioxide and water as byproducts.
2. Step 2: Analyze the relationship between the two processes. Photosynthesis stores energy by converting light energy into chemical energy in glucose molecules. Cellular respiration releases this stored energy by breaking down glucose molecules to produce ATP, which is used for cellular activities.
3. Step 3: Address the incorrect options. The statement 'Both processes consume oxygen and release carbon dioxide' is incorrect because photosynthesis consumes carbon dioxide and releases oxygen, while cellular respiration consumes oxygen and releases carbon dioxide. The statement 'Cellular respiration occurs only in animal cells, while photosynthesis occurs only in plant cells' is incorrect because cellular respiration occurs in both plant and animal cells. The statement 'Photosynthesis and cellular respiration both produce glucose as their main product' is incorrect because only photosynthesis produces glucose, while cellular respiration breaks it down.
4. Step 4: Focus on the correct answer. The correct statement is: 'Photosynthesis stores energy in glucose molecules, while cellular respiration releases that energy for cellular use.' This highlights the complementary nature of the two processes in energy transformation within living organisms.
5. Step 5: Conclude by emphasizing the importance of these processes in the energy cycle of life. Photosynthesis captures and stores energy from sunlight, making it available to organisms in the form of glucose. Cellular respiration then utilizes this stored energy to power cellular functions, ensuring the survival and growth of the organism.