Which process is primarily responsible for plant respiration?

Cellular respiration is the primary process responsible for plant respiration. This process occurs in plant cells where glucose, typically derived from photosynthesis, is broken down in the presence of oxygen to release energy, carbon dioxide, and water. The energy released during cellular respiration is crucial for various cellular functions, growth, and development in plants.

While photosynthesis is essential for converting light energy into chemical energy stored in glucose, it serves a different role in the plant’s metabolism. Soil respiration pertains to the breathing processes of microorganisms and roots in the soil rather than the plants themselves. Transpiration refers to the process by which plants lose water vapor through small openings in their leaves, which helps regulate temperature and facilitate nutrient uptake but is not directly tied to the respiration process itself. Thus, cellular respiration is distinct and directly influences a plant's energy needs, making it the correct answer.