Which statement is true for both photosynthesis and cellular respiration? It occurs in consumers. It occurs in producers. It produces carbon dioxide. It produces oxyge
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Correct answer: It occurs in producers.
Explanation:
Both photosynthesis and cellular respiration are processes that take place in producers, such as plants, algae, and some bacteria.
1. Photosynthesis:
Photosynthesis is a process that occurs in the chloroplasts of producer cells. In this process, producers convert light energy from the sun into chemical energy stored in glucose. The general equation for photosynthesis is:
6CO₂ + 6H₂O + sunlight → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂
This means plants take in carbon dioxide and water and, using sunlight, produce glucose and oxygen. This process only occurs in producers, because they contain chlorophyll, the green pigment required to capture sunlight.
2. Cellular Respiration:
Cellular respiration occurs in both consumers and producers, but for the purposes of this question, we are looking for a statement that is true for both processes. Since producers carry out both photosynthesis and cellular respiration, the correct answer is that it occurs in producers.
In cellular respiration, the glucose created during photosynthesis is broken down in the mitochondria to release energy in the form of ATP. The general equation for cellular respiration is:
C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂ → 6CO₂ + 6H₂O + energy (ATP)
This process is necessary for energy production and takes place in almost all living organisms, including producers.
Why the other options are incorrect:
- It occurs in consumers: Only cellular respiration occurs in consumers, not photosynthesis.
- It produces carbon dioxide: Only cellular respiration produces carbon dioxide.
- It produces oxygen: Only photosynthesis produces oxygen.
Therefore, the only correct statement that applies to both processes is that they occur in producers.
