[Campbell Biology P.214] The text compares aerobic respiration to the combustion of gasoline... | Practice Question

The text compares aerobic respiration to the combustion of gasoline in an automobile engine. Which of the following statements accurately reflects this analogy based on the provided information?

  • A: Both processes are identical in mechanism, producing heat and light as primary forms of energy.
  • B: In both cases, oxygen is a waste product, and the fuel is converted into useful chemical energy.
  • C: Food (fuel) and oxygen are inputs, and carbon dioxide, water, and energy are outputs, but cellular respiration produces ATP directly, while combustion primarily produces heat and mechanical energy.
  • D: Food in cellular respiration and gasoline in an engine both serve as fuel mixed with oxygen, and both processes yield carbon dioxide, water, and energy as outputs.

Explanation

The text states that 'Food provides the fuel for respiration, and the exhaust is carbon dioxide and water. The overall process can be summarized as follows: Organic compounds + Oxygen → Carbon dioxide + Water + Energy.' This directly parallels the gasoline combustion, where gasoline is the fuel, oxygen is mixed with it, and CO2, water, and energy are the outputs. Option D accurately captures these key elements of the analogy described.