The process that converts the energy from food to ATP is called cellular respiration. Here's an explanation of why cellular respiration is the correct answer:
1. Cellular respiration is the process by which cells break down glucose and other food molecules to produce ATP (adenosine triphosphate), which is the energy currency of the cell.
2. During cellular respiration, glucose is oxidized (loses electrons) in a series of metabolic pathways that take place in the cytoplasm and mitochondria of the cell.
3. The final products of cellular respiration are ATP, carbon dioxide (CO2), and water (H2O). ATP provides energy for various cellular activities such as muscle contraction, active transport, and synthesis of molecules.
4. Photosynthesis, on the other hand, is the process by which plants, algae, and some bacteria convert light energy into chemical energy stored in glucose. It is the opposite process of cellular respiration.
5. Metabolism is the sum of all chemical reactions that occur in an organism to maintain life. While metabolism includes cellular respiration, it also encompasses other processes such as digestion, biosynthesis, and excretion.
Therefore, the correct answer to the question is c. cellular respiration. It is the specific process responsible for converting the energy from food into ATP, which fuels cellular activities.
