Question

While science cannot describe "thinking" in physical terms, we are certain that the process involves metabolism inside brain cells. With positron emission tomography (PET scan), it is possible to inject short-lived isotopes and image the regions of the brain that have the most active metabolism during various mental activities. However,

(a). thought cannot be linked to cell processes because energy is not related to matter.
(b). since thoughts can occur over and over, the requirement for a continual input of energy to prevent entropy does not apply to this cell activity.
(c). the cellular energy expended in thinking must be less than the chemical bond energy supplied in food to these brain cells.
(d). "thinking" is beyond the scope of science to study.
(e). "thinking" is not a cellular process and therefore does not require energy.

Answer 1

Thinking is a process that involves cellular activity in the brain and requires energy, as shown by increased metabolic activity in active brain regions during PET scans. Bioenergetics is the study of energy flow through cells, which includes the metabolism related to cognitive processes. Thus, the option is C.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question is asking about the biological basis of thinking and its physical manifestation in the form of energy consumption and metabolism within the brain cells. Thought processes do require energy, which is reflected in the metabolism of brain cells. Technologies like positron emission tomography (PET scans) enable us to visualize areas of the brain with increased metabolic activity, which corresponds to areas engaged in cognitive activities. The correct statement in this context would be (c) the cellular energy expended in thinking must be less than the chemical bond energy supplied in food to these brain cells, as it describes the relation between cellular energy requirements and the energy provided through metabolism.

Thoughts are byproducts of brain activity, and just as other physical processes in the body, they are linked to the metabolism and energy consumption within brain cells. Bioenergetics is the term used to describe the energy flow through living systems, which includes all of the chemical reactions inside cells that constitute the cell's metabolism, using and releasing energy in the process. Hence, thinking involves cellular processes that are fueled by the energy derived from biochemical reactions, which ultimately come from the food we consume.