Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC) Secondary Integrated Science Practice test

What role does glucose play in plant respiration?

1. It serves as a catalyst

2. It provides energy for growth

3. It is a waste byproduct

4. It initiates photosynthesis

The correct answer is: It provides energy for growth

Glucose plays a critical role in plant respiration primarily by providing energy for growth. During the respiration process, plants break down glucose molecules to release stored energy. This energy is essential for various cellular processes, including growth, development, and maintenance of the plant's structure. In aerobic respiration, glucose combines with oxygen to undergo a series of biochemical reactions that ultimately produce adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the energy currency of cells. The process also produces carbon dioxide and water as byproducts, which the plant can then re-utilize in photosynthesis. This interaction between respiration and photosynthesis highlights the importance of glucose as a fundamental energy source. In contrast, glucose does not act as a catalyst, is not a waste byproduct, and does not initiate photosynthesis; rather, it is a product generated during photosynthesis that fuels respiration. Understanding the pivotal role of glucose in energy production aids in comprehending how plants grow and thrive.