Question

Respiration converts potential or stored energy of food into
A) Chemical energy
B) Mechanical energy
C) Kinetic energy
D) All forms of energy

Answer 1

Hint: Respiration is the process in which complex substances (such as carbohydrates) are broken down to form simpler substances like water and carbon dioxide. Oxygen is utilized during the respiration process. The synthesis of ATP takes place with the help of energy produced during this process.

Complete answer:
All organisms need energy to survive. This energy comes from the breakdown of complex substances into simpler ones. Glucose is the main substrate that is used in the respiration process. However, other substrates such as fats and proteins are also used during respiration.

The different substrates present in the food contain the potential or stored energy in their chemical bond. When these substances are broken down by the action of different enzymes, energy is released. This released energy is not used immediately. It is stored as chemical energy in the form of ATP, which is a high-energy molecule. Whenever the cells require energy, the ATP is broken down and energy is utilized for various processes.

Thus the answer to the above question is chemical energy because during respiration the energy produced due to the breakdown of the substrate is stored in the form of ATP. The energy released is stored in the chemical bond of ATP. Thus, potential energy is converted into chemical energy.

Hence the final answer is option ‘A’.

Note: Aerobic and anaerobic respiration are two types of respiration. In aerobic respiration, the end products obtained are carbon dioxide and water. This is due to the complete oxidation of glucose. However, in anaerobic respiration, the incomplete or partial oxidation of glucose takes place which results in the release of ethanol and carbon dioxide.