Question

plants carry out both photosynthesis and cellular respiration. which statement best compares the way these two processes handle energy?
a photosynthesis converts light energy into chemical energy stored in glucose, while cellular respiration releases that stored energy to produce atp for cellular work.
b photosynthesis releases energy from glucose molecules to create atp, while cellular respiration stores light energy in the bonds of glucose.
c photosynthesis captures energy directly into atp for long - term storage, while cellular respiration breaks down water molecules to release atp.
d photosynthesis captures heat energy from sunlight to warm plant tissues, while cellular respiration stores that heat energy in chemical bonds.

Explanation:

• Photosynthesis: Plants use light energy (from sunlight) to convert carbon dioxide (\(CO_2\)) and water (\(H_2O\)) into glucose (\(C_6H_{12}O_6\)) and oxygen (\(O_2\)). The chemical equation is \(6CO_2 + 6H_2O+light

ightarrow C_6H_{12}O_6 + 6O_2\). So, it stores light energy as chemical energy in glucose.

• Cellular Respiration: In cells (mitochondria for eukaryotes), glucose is broken - down. The chemical equation is \(C_6H_{12}O_6+6O_2

ightarrow 6CO_2 + 6H_2O+ATP\). ATP (adenosine tri - phosphate) is the energy - currency of the cell used for cellular work.

Now let's analyze each option:

• Option A:
• Photosynthesis: Converts light energy to chemical energy (in glucose).
• Cellular Respiration: Releases energy from glucose (by breaking it down) to make ATP. This is correct.
• Option B:
• Photosynthesis does not release energy from glucose (that's the role of cellular respiration). And cellular respiration does not store light energy in glucose (photosynthesis does). So, this option is incorrect.
• Option C:
• Photosynthesis does not store energy directly as ATP (ATP is a short - term energy carrier). Also, cellular respiration breaks down glucose, not water. So, this option is incorrect.
• Option D:
• Photosynthesis captures light (not heat) energy. And cellular respiration releases energy (from glucose breakdown), not stores heat energy. So, this option is incorrect.

Answer:

A. Photosynthesis converts light energy into chemical energy stored in glucose, while cellular respiration releases that stored energy to produce ATP for cellular work.