Which of the following statements correctly describes a key difference between photosynthesis and cellular respiration?

• A. Photosynthesis converts light energy into chemical energy, while cellular respiration releases chemical energy from food.
• B. Photosynthesis occurs in the mitochondria, while cellular respiration occurs in the chloroplasts.
• C. Cellular respiration produces glucose, whereas photosynthesis breaks down glucose.
• D. Both photosynthesis and cellular respiration occur only in animal cells.

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. Cellular respiration, on the other hand, is the process by which cells break down glucose to release energy in the form of ATP.
2. Step 2: Analyze the first statement: 'Photosynthesis converts light energy into chemical energy, while cellular respiration releases chemical energy from food.' This statement is correct because photosynthesis captures light energy to synthesize glucose, while cellular respiration breaks down glucose to release energy.
3. Step 3: Evaluate the second statement: 'Photosynthesis occurs in the mitochondria, while cellular respiration occurs in the chloroplasts.' This statement is incorrect because photosynthesis occurs in the chloroplasts, and cellular respiration occurs in the mitochondria.
4. Step 4: Assess the third statement: 'Cellular respiration produces glucose, whereas photosynthesis breaks down glucose.' This statement is incorrect because photosynthesis produces glucose, and cellular respiration breaks it down to release energy.
5. Step 5: Examine the fourth statement: 'Both photosynthesis and cellular respiration occur only in animal cells.' This statement is incorrect because photosynthesis occurs in plants, algae, and some bacteria, while cellular respiration occurs in both plant and animal cells.