What is the process of converting glucose into ATP, the cell's primary energy currency, called?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A) Cellular respiration is the correct answer. It is the process by which cells convert glucose into ATP, the primary energy currency of the cell. This process involves a series of biochemical reactions that occur in the mitochondria of eukaryotic cells or the cytoplasm of prokaryotic cells. Through cellular respiration, the energy stored in glucose molecules is gradually released and captured in the form of ATP.
B) Fermentation is an anaerobic process that occurs in the absence of oxygen. It involves the partial breakdown of glucose to produce ATP and end products such as lactic acid or ethanol. While fermentation can generate ATP, it is less efficient than cellular respiration in terms of energy production.
C) Photosynthesis is the process by which plants, algae, and some bacteria convert light energy into chemical energy in the form of glucose. This process occurs in chloroplasts and is the opposite of cellular respiration. While photosynthesis produces glucose, it is not the process of converting glucose into ATP.
D) Hydrolysis is a chemical process that uses water to break down molecules into smaller components. It is not specifically related to converting glucose into ATP.