Question

a student is working on a diagram to model the flow of energy in a plant cell. which statement best describes which structures the diagram should emphasize?
a. it should emphasize the nucleus, because it controls chloroplasts, and the chloroplasts, because they turn sunlight into food.
b. it should emphasize the chloroplasts, because they turn sunlight into food, and the mitochondria, because they release food energy for use.
c. it should emphasize the cell membrane, because it turns sunlight into food, and the cytoplasm, because it distributes food energy through the cell.
d. it should emphasize the cell membrane, because it turns sunlight into food, and the lysosomes, because they dispose of waste energy from the process.

Explanation:

Chloroplasts perform photosynthesis to convert sunlight into chemical - energy (food). Mitochondria perform cellular respiration to release energy from food for the cell's use. The nucleus is not directly involved in energy - flow in terms of energy conversion. The cell membrane is mainly for protection and transport, not energy conversion. Lysosomes are for waste disposal, not energy - flow related to food energy in this context.

Answer:

B. It should emphasize the chloroplasts, because they turn sunlight into food, and the mitochondria, because they release food energy for use.