The following text is from a 2023 biology textbook explaining cellular respiration.Like a well-maintained engine that runs smoothly when supplied...
GMAT Information and Ideas : (Ideas) Questions
Like a well-maintained engine that runs smoothly when supplied with quality fuel and adequate oxygen, a cell efficiently produces energy when provided with glucose and oxygen through cellular respiration. When these essential inputs are available, the cell's mitochondria work at optimal capacity, generating the ATP molecules necessary for all cellular functions. However, when deprived of either glucose or oxygen, cellular processes begin to slow and eventually cease, much like an engine that sputters and dies when starved of fuel or air.
Based on the text, in what way is cellular respiration like a well-maintained engine?
Both require specific inputs to function effectively.
Both become more efficient as they age over time.
Both can operate independently of external conditions.
Both work best under high-pressure situations.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "Like a well-maintained engine that runs smoothly when supplied with quality fuel and adequate oxygen, a cell efficiently produces energy when provided with glucose and oxygen through cellular respiration." |
|
| "When these essential inputs are available, the cell's mitochondria work at optimal capacity, generating the ATP molecules necessary for all cellular functions." |
|
| "However, when deprived of either glucose or oxygen, cellular processes begin to slow and eventually cease, much like an engine that sputters and dies when starved of fuel or air." |
|
Part B: Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Cellular respiration works like a well-maintained engine because both require specific essential inputs to function effectively and both fail when those inputs are absent.
Argument Flow: The passage establishes an analogy between engines and cellular respiration, then develops this comparison by showing how both systems depend on specific inputs for optimal performance and both experience failure when deprived of these essential resources.
Step 2: Interpret the Question Precisely
This is a fill-in-the-blank question asking us to choose the best logical connector. The answer must create the right relationship between what comes before and after the blank.
Step 3: Prethink the Answer
- The passage clearly establishes that both engines and cells need specific inputs to work properly - engines need fuel and oxygen, while cells need glucose and oxygen
- When they have these inputs, both function efficiently
- When they don't have these inputs, both systems fail
- So the right answer should identify that both systems require specific essential inputs to function effectively
Both require specific inputs to function effectively.
✓ Correct - Directly matches the passage's central comparison
- The text explicitly states that engines need "quality fuel and adequate oxygen" while cells need "glucose and oxygen"
- Both systems are described as functioning "efficiently" or "smoothly" when these inputs are provided
Both become more efficient as they age over time.
✗ Incorrect - Refers to efficiency increasing with age over time
- The passage never mentions age or time-related improvements
Both can operate independently of external conditions.
✗ Incorrect - Claims both can operate independently of external conditions
- Actually contradicts the passage's main point that both systems depend on external inputs
Both work best under high-pressure situations.
✗ Incorrect - Mentions high-pressure situations
- The passage never discusses pressure or stressful conditions