Question

3.1.9-12.g the molecules in the food we eat contain chemical energy stored in chemical bonds. which statement best explains how this energy is released?
chemical energy is released as eaten food is digested, giving off heat as a by - product.
cells extract and capture the energy in food molecules all at once, then store it for later use.
chemical bonds in food molecules are broken, releasing energy and allowing cells to use the energy to make atp.

Explanation:

1. Analyze Option 1: Digestion breaks food into smaller molecules, but energy release for cell use involves cellular respiration, not just digestion's heat. So this is not the best explanation.
2. Analyze Option 2: Cells do not extract energy all at once; it's a step - by - step process (like glycolysis, Krebs cycle, etc.). So this statement is incorrect.
3. Analyze Option 3: In cellular respiration, chemical bonds in food (like glucose) are broken. The energy released is used to make ATP, which is the energy currency of the cell. This accurately describes how energy from food's chemical bonds is utilized.

Answer:

C. Chemical bonds in food molecules are broken, releasing energy and allowing cells to use the energy to make ATP.