Question

When a worker shovels coal into the furnace of a train engine, energy is released from the coal as heat. The heat is used to make steam, which is then used to turn the wheels of the engine. Living cells can also be thought of as machines. What biological process uses combustion to release energy from molecules so that cells can do work?

A) Photosynthesis
B) Respiration
C) Fermentation
D) Mitosis

Answer 1

The biological process that releases energy from molecules through combustion so that cells can do work is cellular respiration.

Step-by-step explanation:

The biological process that uses combustion to release energy from molecules so that cells can do work is called cellular respiration. This process is similar to the burning of coal in a furnace but is more controlled within the cell. The energy from this controlled combustion is used to produce ATP (adenosine triphosphate), which is the energy currency of the cell. In a furnace, rapid combustion occurs, releasing energy quickly in the form of heat, whereas cellular respiration is a stepwise process that captures and utilizes energy efficiently to support various cellular functions and metabolism.