Oxidation during cellular respiration differs from burning in that respiration
A) doesn't use enzymes to lower the activation energy.
B) requires a relatively large amount of energy to start the process.
C) uses enzymes to lower the activation energy.
D) releases more energy as heat and light.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Cellular respiration involves a complex series of enzyme-catalyzed reactions that allow oxidation to occur in a controlled manner, producing energy in the form of ATP. Enzymes are required to lower the activation energy needed to initiate each step of the process. In contrast, burning is an uncontrolled process in which large amounts of energy are released as heat and light without the involvement of enzymes to regulate the reactions. Option A is incorrect because respiration does use enzymes to lower activation energy. Option B is incorrect because respiration actually requires a relatively small amount of energy input to initiate the process, such as the activation energy provided by the breakdown of glucose. Option D is incorrect because burning releases more energy as heat and light, while respiration conserves energy in the form of ATP.

Oxidation During Cellular Respiration Differs from Burning in That Respiration