Which of the following statements best explains why yeast are able to perform cellular respiration?

• A. Yeast use chloroplasts to generate ATP through photosynthesis.
• B. Yeast can only survive in the absence of oxygen because they cannot perform cellular respiration.
• C. Yeast lack mitochondria and rely solely on fermentation for energy production.
• D. Yeast possess mitochondria, which allow them to carry out aerobic respiration.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Begin by understanding the concept of cellular respiration. Cellular respiration is the process by which cells convert glucose and oxygen into ATP (energy), carbon dioxide, and water. This process primarily occurs in the mitochondria of eukaryotic cells.
2. Step 2: Analyze the role of mitochondria in cellular respiration. Mitochondria are organelles that serve as the site for aerobic respiration, where oxygen is used to efficiently produce ATP. Yeast, being eukaryotic organisms, possess mitochondria, enabling them to perform aerobic respiration.
3. Step 3: Evaluate the incorrect statements. Yeast do not use chloroplasts for photosynthesis because they are not photosynthetic organisms. Yeast can survive in the absence of oxygen through fermentation, but they are also capable of aerobic respiration when oxygen is available. Yeast do not lack mitochondria; they rely on mitochondria for aerobic respiration.
4. Step 4: Confirm the correct statement. The correct explanation is that yeast possess mitochondria, which allow them to carry out aerobic respiration. This is consistent with their ability to perform cellular respiration in the presence of oxygen.
5. Step 5: Conclude by emphasizing the versatility of yeast. Yeast can perform both aerobic respiration (using mitochondria) and fermentation (in the absence of oxygen), making them adaptable to different environmental conditions.