Which statement best describes cellular respiration in plants?

Which statement best describes cellular respiration in plants?

• A. It occurs only in leaves
• B. It occurs in roots only
• C. It occurs in all living plant cells
• D. It does not occur in plants

Answer: (C)

Cellular respiration is how plant cells extract usable energy from sugars. It happens in the mitochondria of every living plant cell, so as long as a tissue is alive and metabolizing, respiration occurs. Plants make glucose by photosynthesis, mainly in the leaves, but that glucose must be broken down in all parts of the plant to power growth, transport, and maintenance. That’s why respiration takes place in all living plant cells, not just leaves or roots. During this process, oxygen is used and carbon dioxide and water are produced, with energy released as ATP for cellular activities.

Cellular respiration is how plant cells extract usable energy from sugars. It happens in the mitochondria of every living plant cell, so as long as a tissue is alive and metabolizing, respiration occurs. Plants make glucose by photosynthesis, mainly in the leaves, but that glucose must be broken down in all parts of the plant to power growth, transport, and maintenance. That’s why respiration takes place in all living plant cells, not just leaves or roots. During this process, oxygen is used and carbon dioxide and water are produced, with energy released as ATP for cellular activities.