Which statement correctly describes the difference between cellular respiration and photosynthesis?

• A. Cellular respiration releases energy by breaking down glucose, while photosynthesis stores energy by synthesizing glucose.
• B. Cellular respiration requires sunlight, while photosynthesis does not.
• C. Cellular respiration occurs only in plants, while photosynthesis occurs in both plants and animals.
• D. Cellular respiration produces oxygen, while photosynthesis consumes oxygen.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the basic processes: Cellular respiration is a metabolic process that converts glucose into energy (ATP) in the presence of oxygen, releasing carbon dioxide and water as byproducts. Photosynthesis, on the other hand, is the process by which plants, algae, and some bacteria convert light energy into chemical energy stored in glucose, using carbon dioxide and water, and releasing oxygen as a byproduct.
2. Identify the energy flow: In cellular respiration, energy is released from glucose molecules, which is then used to produce ATP, the energy currency of the cell. In photosynthesis, energy from sunlight is captured and stored in the form of glucose molecules.
3. Consider the organisms involved: Cellular respiration occurs in the mitochondria of both plant and animal cells, as well as in many microorganisms. Photosynthesis occurs in the chloroplasts of plant cells, algae, and some bacteria, but not in animal cells.
4. Examine the role of oxygen: Cellular respiration consumes oxygen and produces carbon dioxide as a byproduct. Photosynthesis, conversely, consumes carbon dioxide and produces oxygen as a byproduct.
5. Clarify the dependency on sunlight: Photosynthesis requires sunlight to drive the reactions that convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen. Cellular respiration does not require sunlight; it can occur in both light and dark conditions as long as glucose and oxygen are available.