Which statement accurately describes the energy needs for photosynthesis and cellular respiration?

• A. Both photosynthesis and cellular respiration require energy input from sunlight.
• B. Neither photosynthesis nor cellular respiration involves energy transformation.
• C. Photosynthesis requires energy input from sunlight, while cellular respiration releases energy stored in glucose.
• D. Cellular respiration stores energy from sunlight, while photosynthesis releases energy from glucose.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the processes of photosynthesis and cellular respiration: Photosynthesis is the process by which plants, algae, and some bacteria convert sunlight into chemical energy stored in glucose. Cellular respiration is the process by which organisms break down glucose to release stored energy in the form of ATP.
2. Clarify the energy input for photosynthesis: Photosynthesis requires energy input from sunlight, which is absorbed by chlorophyll in the chloroplasts. This energy drives the conversion of carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen.
3. Clarify the energy output for cellular respiration: Cellular respiration releases energy stored in glucose by breaking it down into carbon dioxide and water. This process occurs in the mitochondria and produces ATP, the energy currency of the cell.
4. Evaluate the incorrect statements: The statement 'Both photosynthesis and cellular respiration require energy input from sunlight' is incorrect because cellular respiration does not require sunlight. The statement 'Neither photosynthesis nor cellular respiration involves energy transformation' is incorrect because both processes involve energy transformation. The statement 'Cellular respiration stores energy from sunlight, while photosynthesis releases energy from glucose' is incorrect because photosynthesis stores energy from sunlight, and cellular respiration releases energy from glucose.
5. Identify the correct statement: The correct statement is 'Photosynthesis requires energy input from sunlight, while cellular respiration releases energy stored in glucose,' as it accurately describes the energy needs and transformations in both processes.