Question

about exhaled air

	o₂	n₂	co₂
exhaled	16.37%	78.15%	4.46%

which of these conclusions can be made from the data in the table?

• ☐ cellular respiration produces nitrogen.
• ☐ cellular respiration uses oxygen.
• ☐ cellular respiration produces carbon dioxide.
• ☐ photosynthesis produces oxygen.

done ✔

Explanation:

1. For "Cellular respiration produces nitrogen": The percentage of \( N_2 \) in inhaled and exhaled air is almost the same (78.12% vs 78.15%), so cellular respiration does not produce nitrogen. Eliminate this option.
2. For "Cellular respiration uses oxygen": The percentage of \( O_2 \) in inhaled air (20.94%) is higher than in exhaled air (16.37%), indicating oxygen is used during respiration. This is a valid conclusion.
3. For "Cellular respiration produces carbon dioxide": The percentage of \( CO_2 \) in exhaled air (4.46%) is much higher than in inhaled air (0.03%), showing \( CO_2 \) is produced. This is a valid conclusion.
4. For "Photosynthesis produces oxygen": The table only shows inhaled and exhaled air data, not related to photosynthesis. Eliminate this option.

Answer:

B. Cellular respiration uses oxygen, C. Cellular respiration produces carbon dioxide