Which one of the following is a wasteful process ?

Options

A. Photorespiration
B. Respiration
C. Photosynthesis
D. ETS

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding the Question**: The question asks to identify which process among the given options is considered wasteful.

2. **Analyzing the Options**:
- **Option 1: Photorespiration**:
- Photorespiration occurs in C3 plants and is characterized by the consumption of ATP without producing any sugar or NADPH.
- During this process, CO2 is released, and ATP is utilized, making it a wasteful process since it does not contribute to the plant's energy or carbon storage.

- **Option 2: Respiration**:
- Respiration is the process by which plants convert glucose and oxygen into energy (ATP).
- This process is essential for plant survival and growth, as it provides the energy needed for various cellular activities. Therefore, it is not wasteful.

- **Option 3: Photosynthesis**:
- Photosynthesis is the process where plants use light energy to convert CO2 and water into glucose and oxygen.
- This process is crucial for the plant's energy production and is not wasteful as it results in the synthesis of food.

- **Option 4: Electron Transport System (ETS)**:
- The ETS is a series of complexes that produce ATP through the transfer of electrons.
- It is a highly efficient process, generating a significant amount of ATP (32 ATP per cycle), and is essential for energy production in plants. Thus, it is not wasteful.

3. **Conclusion**: After analyzing all the options, it is clear that the process that is considered wasteful is **photorespiration** because it does not lead to the synthesis of useful products and consumes ATP.

**Final Answer**: The wasteful process among the options is **photorespiration**.

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