University of California Press

Table 1.

Summary of published common student misconceptions in cellular respiration and photosynthesis.

Cellular respiration misconceptions

Matter is converted to energy or ATP during cellular respiration (glucose to ATP); Wilson et al., 2006, Hartley et al., 2011.

Matter catabolized during cellular respiration is released as waste, such as urine or feces; Wilson et al., 2006.

Cells can utilize glucose only to generate ATP; Oliviera et al., 2003.

Photosynthesis misconceptions

Mass gain observed during plant growth results from water uptake; Wilson et al., 2006.

Mass gain observed during plant growth results from nutrient uptake; Wilson et al., 2006.

CO₂ is not responsible for mass gain observed during plant growth; Parker et al., 2012.

Matter (CO₂) is converted to ATP; Parker et al., 2012, Hartley et al., 2011.

Sunlight is converted to matter (energy to sugars); Parker et al., 2012, Hartley et al., 2011.

ATP generated in photosynthesis is used for cellular work; Parker et al., 2012.

Autotrophs do not conduct cellular respiration; Wilson et al., 2006, Parker et al., 2012.