Question

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which statement best describes the relationship between photosynthesis and cellular respiration? photosynthesis is part of the carbon cycle, and cellular respiration is not. photosynthesis removes carbon from the atmosphere, and cellular respiration releases carbon back into the atmosphere. only plants perform photosynthesis, and only animals perform cellular respiration. photosynthesis releases carbon into the atmosphere, and cellular respiration removes carbon from the atmosphere.

Explanation:

1. Analyze the first option: Photosynthesis is a key part of the carbon cycle (it takes in $\ce{CO_2}$), and cellular respiration (which releases $\ce{CO_2}$) is also part of the carbon cycle, so this statement is incorrect.
2. Analyze the second option: Photosynthesis removes carbon (in the form of $\ce{CO_2}$) from the atmosphere to make glucose, and cellular respiration breaks down glucose and releases carbon (as $\ce{CO_2}$) back into the atmosphere. This matches the roles of these two processes.
3. Analyze the third option: Both plants and some other organisms (like algae) perform photosynthesis, and both plants and animals perform cellular respiration, so this statement is incorrect.
4. Analyze the fourth option: Photosynthesis takes in (removes) carbon from the atmosphere, and cellular respiration releases carbon into the atmosphere, so this statement has the two processes reversed and is incorrect.

Answer:

The statement "Photosynthesis removes carbon from the atmosphere, and cellular respiration releases carbon back into the atmosphere." (the second option among the given boxes)