AP Biologyhardmcq1 pt

Which statement most accurately relates the matter and energy transformations of photosynthesis and aerobic respiration in a plant?

A.Photosynthesis banks light energy into organic molecules and releases the oxygen and carbohydrates respiration consumes, while respiration returns CO2 and water for photosynthesis to reuse
B.A plant photosynthesizes by day and switches to respiration only at night, keeping the processes separate in time
C.Photosynthesis manufactures all the plant's ATP, sparing mitochondria from doing so in green tissue
D.Respiration destroys the sugars photosynthesis built, radiating their energy back to the sun as light

Explanation

Core Concept

At the ecosystem level, photosynthesis and respiration have complementary overall matter transformations: photosynthesis fixes CO2 and stores energy in organic molecules, while aerobic respiration oxidizes organic molecules and returns CO2. Their biochemical mechanisms are not simple reverses of one another; they use different enzymes, compartments, electron carriers, and energy inputs.

Correct Answer

APhotosynthesis banks light energy into organic molecules and releases the oxygen and carbohydrates respiration consumes, while respiration returns CO2 and water for photosynthesis to reuse

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