Carbon Cycling: Photosynthesis and Respiration

Which process converts carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen using sunlight?

• Cellular respiration

• Photosynthesis

• Fermentation

• Decomposition

Answer explanation

Photosynthesis is the process that converts carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen using sunlight. This process is essential for plants to produce energy and release oxygen into the atmosphere.

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS2-5

What is the main gas released into the atmosphere during cellular respiration?

• Oxygen

• Nitrogen

• Carbon dioxide

• Methane

Answer explanation

During cellular respiration, glucose is broken down to produce energy, and carbon dioxide is released as a byproduct. Therefore, the main gas released into the atmosphere is carbon dioxide.

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS2-5

Which organelle is primarily responsible for photosynthesis in plant cells?

• Mitochondrion

• Nucleus

• Chloroplast

• Ribosome

Answer explanation

The chloroplast is the organelle in plant cells that conducts photosynthesis, converting light energy into chemical energy. Mitochondria are involved in respiration, the nucleus contains genetic material, and ribosomes synthesize proteins.

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS2-5

Which of the following is a product of cellular respiration?

• Glucose

• Oxygen

• Carbon dioxide

• Water vapor

Answer explanation

During cellular respiration, glucose is broken down to produce energy, and carbon dioxide is released as a waste product. Therefore, carbon dioxide is a key product of this metabolic process.

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS2-5

What is the chemical formula for glucose?

Answer explanation

The chemical formula for glucose is C6H12O6, which indicates it contains 6 carbon atoms, 12 hydrogen atoms, and 6 oxygen atoms. The other options represent different compounds and are not correct.

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NGSS.HS-LS2-5

Which process removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere?

• Photosynthesis

• Combustion

• Cellular respiration

• Decomposition

Answer explanation

Photosynthesis is the process by which plants convert carbon dioxide and sunlight into glucose and oxygen, effectively removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS2-5

Which of the following best describes the role of photosynthesis in the carbon cycle?

• It releases carbon into the atmosphere.

• It converts atmospheric carbon into organic molecules.

• It breaks down glucose to release energy.

• It decomposes dead organisms.

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS2-5

How does cellular respiration contribute to the carbon cycle?

• By absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere

• By converting glucose into carbon dioxide and water

• By producing glucose from sunlight

• By storing carbon in fossil fuels

Answer explanation

Cellular respiration breaks down glucose, releasing energy and producing carbon dioxide and water as byproducts. This process returns carbon dioxide to the atmosphere, thus playing a crucial role in the carbon cycle.

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS2-5

If a forest is cut down and burned, what immediate effect does this have on the carbon cycle?

• Increases carbon storage in the geosphere

• Decreases atmospheric carbon dioxide

• Increases atmospheric carbon dioxide

• Decreases carbon in the hydrosphere

Answer explanation

Cutting down and burning a forest releases stored carbon into the atmosphere as carbon dioxide, leading to an increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide levels, which is the correct answer.

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS2-5

Which statement best explains the relationship between photosynthesis and cellular respiration?

• Both processes produce glucose.

• Photosynthesis stores energy, while cellular respiration releases it.

• Both processes release carbon dioxide.

• Cellular respiration uses sunlight to make food.

Answer explanation

The correct statement highlights that photosynthesis captures and stores energy in glucose, while cellular respiration breaks down glucose to release that energy for cellular activities.

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS2-5