Biology STAAR (State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness) Practice Test

What is the primary result of cellular respiration?

1. Production of glucose

2. Conversion of solar energy

3. Transfer of stored energy to ATP

4. Regulation of internal environment

The correct answer is: Transfer of stored energy to ATP

Cellular respiration is a metabolic process in which cells convert biochemical energy from nutrients into adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the energy currency of the cell. This process occurs in both aerobic (with oxygen) and anaerobic (without oxygen) conditions and involves a series of reactions that break down glucose, fatty acids, and other substrates to release energy. The primary result of cellular respiration is the transfer of stored energy from these substrates into ATP, which can then be used by the cell for various functions, such as muscle contraction, active transport, and biosynthesis. The production of ATP is crucial because it provides a usable form of energy that powers cellular activities. While the production of glucose is essential for the photosynthetic process in plants, cellular respiration itself primarily focuses on breaking down glucose to generate energy. The conversion of solar energy is relevant to photosynthesis, not respiration, and the regulation of the internal environment pertains more to homeostasis within organisms rather than the specific process of energy transfer. Therefore, the central role of cellular respiration is accurately captured in the transfer of stored energy to ATP, making it the right choice.