Arizona Esthetics State Board Practice Exam

Which process involves the breakdown of glucose to produce energy in cells?

1. Photosynthesis

2. Fermentation

3. Metabolism

4. Excretion

The correct answer is: Metabolism

The process that involves the breakdown of glucose to produce energy in cells is metabolism. Metabolism encompasses all chemical reactions that occur within living organisms to maintain life, including the conversion of nutrients into energy. Specifically, within metabolism, cellular respiration is the pathway through which glucose is oxidized to generate ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the energy currency of the cell. In contrast to metabolism, photosynthesis is the process by which plants, algae, and some bacteria convert light energy into chemical energy stored in glucose, which is not related to the breakdown of glucose for energy production. Fermentation is a specific type of metabolic process that occurs in the absence of oxygen, leading to the breakdown of glucose and production of energy, but is one aspect of metabolism rather than the entirety of it. Excretion refers to the process of eliminating waste products from the body and does not pertain to energy production from glucose. Understanding the broader context of metabolism helps clarify its fundamental role in energy production within cells.