Algonquin College Health Program Assessment (AC-HPAT) Practice Exam

What describes cellular respiration in terms of its function?

1. A pathway for protein synthesis

2. A pathway for energy production

3. A pathway for waste removal

4. A pathway for cell division

The correct answer is: A pathway for energy production

Cellular respiration is primarily defined as a pathway for energy production. This process involves the biochemical reactions through which cells convert nutrients, typically glucose, into adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the energy currency of the cell. During cellular respiration, oxygen is often consumed, and carbon dioxide is produced as a byproduct. The overall goal is to generate ATP, which cells use to power various functions vital for survival, including growth, repair, and maintenance of cellular activities. The other options describe different biological processes that are not the central focus of cellular respiration. For example, while protein synthesis involves the creation of proteins from amino acids, it does not primarily pertain to energy production. Waste removal refers to various processes of excreting unwanted substances, which is also separate from energy generation. Lastly, cell division is a process where a single cell divides to produce two daughter cells, and while energy is required for this, it is not the primary function of cellular respiration. Thus, B accurately encapsulates the essential role of cellular respiration in energy production within the cell.