Cellular Respiration is one of 10 topics in the Grade 11 Life Sciences CAPS syllabus, covered across 3 lessons on Study Vault. Below are real practice questions from this topic with full worked answers.
Sample practice questions
Easy
1. Cellular respiration is best described as the process by which cells:
Break down organic molecules such as glucose to release energy captured mainly as ATP
Absorb oxygen directly into the bloodstream
Convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose using light energy
Physically move air into and out of the lungs
Answer: Break down organic molecules such as glucose to release energy captured mainly as ATP — Cellular respiration is the biochemical breakdown of organic molecules, mainly glucose, to release stored chemical energy and capture it as ATP; it is distinct from breathing (ventilation), which is the physical movement of air.
Easy
2. Where in the cell does glycolysis take place?
The cytoplasm
The mitochondrial matrix
The nucleus
The chloroplast
Answer: The cytoplasm — Glycolysis takes place in the cytoplasm of the cell, outside any organelle, and is common to both aerobic and anaerobic respiration.
Medium
3. What is the net product of glycolysis from one molecule of glucose?
Two molecules of pyruvate, a net gain of two ATP, and two NADH
One molecule of pyruvate and six ATP
Six molecules of carbon dioxide and water
Two molecules of glucose and no ATP
Answer: Two molecules of pyruvate, a net gain of two ATP, and two NADH — Glycolysis breaks down one glucose molecule into two pyruvate molecules, with a net gain of two ATP (via substrate-level phosphorylation) and two NADH.
