[Campbell Biology P.90] The "WHAT IF?" section suggests writing an equation that uses the p... | Practice Question

The "WHAT IF?" section suggests writing an equation that uses the products of photosynthesis as reactants and the reactants of photosynthesis as products, adding energy as another product. What is the primary purpose of this reversed process in cells, and how does it generally relate to breathing in animals?

  • A: The process is cellular respiration, which produces glucose and consumes oxygen, relating to breathing as it involves gas exchange.
  • B: The process is fermentation, which converts CO2 to O2, and is unrelated to breathing.
  • C: The process is cellular respiration, which breaks down glucose and oxygen to release energy, and relates to breathing by consuming oxygen and releasing carbon dioxide.
  • D: The process is photosynthesis, which captures sunlight to produce food, and breathing provides the CO2 for it.

Explanation

The 'WHAT IF?' question explicitly asks to reverse the photosynthesis equation C6H12O6 + 6 O2 + Energy → 6 CO2 + 6 H2O . This reversed process, where glucose and oxygen are consumed to release energy and produce CO2 and H2O , is cellular respiration. Breathing in animals directly supports cellular respiration by providing oxygen and expelling carbon dioxide.