Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration Questions and Answers Graded A+

Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration Questions and Answers Graded A+ What happens to the energy stored in glucose during cellular respiration? The energy stored in glucose is released through a series of reactions, primarily glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, and the electron transport chain, which ultimately produces ATP for cellular activities. How does the amount of oxygen available affect cellular respiration? The amount of oxygen available determines whether aerobic or anaerobic respiration occurs; with sufficient oxygen, aerobic respiration occurs, producing more ATP, while insufficient oxygen leads to anaerobic respiration, which produces less ATP. What are the key differences between aerobic and anaerobic glycolysis? Aerobic glycolysis occurs when oxygen is present and leads to complete oxidation of glucose to produce large amounts of ATP, while anaerobic glycolysis occurs in the absence of oxygen, leading to the production of lactate or ethanol and much less ATP. How does the structure of chloroplasts aid in photosynthesis? 2 Chloroplasts have an internal structure with thylakoid membranes where light-dependent reactions occur and stroma where the Calvin cycle takes place, maximizing efficiency in capturing light energy and producing glucose. What is the significance of NADPH in photosynthesis? NADPH is used in the Calvin cycle to provide electrons needed for the reduction of carbon dioxide into glucose. How do plants store the glucose produced in photosynthesis? Plants store glucose primarily as starch in roots, stems, and leaves, providing an energy reserve for later use. What is the role of the stomata in photosynthesis? The stomata are small openings on the surface of leaves that allow carbon dioxide to enter and oxygen to exit, enabling the plant to perform photosynthesis efficiently. How do plants use oxygen produced during photosynthesis? Oxygen produced during photosynthesis is released into the atmosphere as a byproduct and is used by organisms, including humans, for aerobic respiration. 3 How is the energy produced in cellular respiration used by cells? Energy produced in cellular respiration is used for cellular activities like building macromolecules, muscle contraction, and maintaining cell structures. What is the connection between glycolysis and the citric acid cycle? Glycolysis breaks down glucose into pyruvate, which is then converted into acetyl-CoA and enters the citric acid cycle to further break down glucose and release energy for ATP production. Why is oxygen referred to as the final electron acceptor in cellular respiration? Oxygen is the final electron acceptor in the electron transport chain, combining with electrons and protons to form water, which allows the electron transport chain to continue and generate ATP. What would happen if the mitochondria were not present in a cell? Without mitochondria, cells would be unable to perform aerobic respiration and generate ATP efficiently, relying solely on much less efficient anaerobic processes like fermentation for energy. 4 How does the electron transport chain contribute to the proton gradient? The electron transport chain pumps protons (H+) across the inner mitochondrial membrane, creating a proton gradient that powers