To analyze which molecules could be represented by the circle labeled Z, we need to consider the processes that occur in mitochondria and chloroplasts.
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Mitochondria are involved in cellular respiration, where glucose (produced in photosynthesis) and oxygen are consumed to produce energy (ATP), carbon dioxide, and water. The key outputs of cellular respiration include:
- Carbon dioxide (CO₂)
- Water (H₂O)
- ATP (not relevant as a reactant for chloroplasts)
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Chloroplasts are involved in photosynthesis, where carbon dioxide and water are used to produce glucose and oxygen. The key outputs of photosynthesis include:
- Glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆)
- Oxygen (O₂)
Now, let's analyze each response option for molecule Z based on its production in mitochondria and its requirement in chloroplasts:
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Carbon Dioxide (CO₂): Produced in cellular respiration (mitochondria) and is a reactant in photosynthesis (chloroplasts). This is a valid option.
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Water (H₂O): Produced in cellular respiration and is consumed in photosynthesis. This option is not valid since it cannot be both a product in mitochondria and a reactant in chloroplasts at the same time for Z.
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Glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆): Produced in photosynthesis (chloroplasts) and consumed in cellular respiration (mitochondria). This option is not valid since glucose cannot be produced by mitochondria.
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Oxygen (O₂): Produced in photosynthesis (chloroplasts) and consumed in cellular respiration (mitochondria). This option is also not valid since oxygen cannot be produced by mitochondria to fulfill the role of Z.
Thus, the only appropriate response for molecule Z that is produced as an output of the mitochondria and required by the chloroplast is carbon dioxide.
So, the only correct option is:
- Letter Z could be carbon dioxide because it is produced in cellular respiration and is a reactant of photosynthesis.
1 answer