Question

Why do plants carry out both photosynthesis and cellular respiration?

1) to produce glucose and then use it to produce ATP for cellular processes
2) to generate energy in the form of ATP
3) to regulate water uptake for turgor pressure
4) to synthesize proteins

Answer 1

Plants engage in photosynthesis to convert sunlight into glucose, which stores energy, and cellular respiration to produce ATP needed for cellular functions. The interconnected processes ensure a steady energy supply for the plant's life processes. The primary reason they do both is to produce glucose for energy storage and then use it to produce ATP for cellular processes. The correct option is 1) to produce glucose and then use it to produce ATP for cellular processes.

Step-by-step explanation:

Plants carry out both photosynthesis and cellular respiration to maintain their metabolic functions and survive. Photosynthesis is vital for converting solar energy into glucose and oxygen, essentially storing energy in the form of glucose. Then, cellular respiration takes place, where plants break down that glucose to produce ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the primary energy carrier for all cellular activities. This cyclical relationship ensures that plants have a constant supply of energy to fuel life-sustaining processes, regardless of the time of day.

The correct answer to why plants carry out both photosynthesis and cellular respiration is 1) to produce glucose and then use it to produce ATP for cellular processes. During the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis, the energy from sunlight is converted into chemical energy in the form of ATP and NADPH. These compounds are then used to convert carbon dioxide into glucose. Glucose is a critical energy source that can be stored and used for growth, repair, and other cellular functions.

In the process of cellular respiration, which occurs within the mitochondria, this glucose is broken down in a series of steps to produce ATP. ATP serves as the direct energy source for various cellular processes. Therefore, both processes are indispensable for the plant's survival, enabling it to convert energy from the sun into a usable form and to power its various life processes. The correct option is 1) to produce glucose and then use it to produce ATP for cellular processes.