What is the correct equation for cellular respiration?
A. [tex]6 O _2+ C _6 H _{12} O _6+[/tex] Energy [tex]\rightarrow 6 CO _2+6 H _2 O[/tex]
B. [tex]6 CO _2+6 H _2 O +[/tex] Energy [tex]\rightarrow 6 O _2+ C _6 H _{12} O _6[/tex]
C. [tex]6 O _2+ C _6 H _{12} O _6 \rightarrow 6 CO _2+6 H _2 O +[/tex] Energy
D. [tex]6 CO _2+6 H _2 O \rightarrow 6 O _2+ C _6 H _{12} O _6+[/tex] Energy
Answer (1)
Cellular respiration converts glucose and oxygen into carbon dioxide, water, and energy.
The reactants are glucose ( C 6 H 12 O 6 ) and oxygen ( O 2 ).
The products are carbon dioxide ( C O 2 ) and water ( H 2 O ).
The correct equation is 6 O 2 + C 6 H 12 O 6 → 6 C O 2 + 6 H 2 O + E n er g y .
Explanation
Understanding Cellular Respiration Cellular respiration is a fundamental process in biology where organisms convert glucose and oxygen into carbon dioxide, water, and energy in the form of ATP. The process can be summarized by the following equation:
Identifying Reactants and Products The general form of a chemical equation is: R e a c t an t s → P ro d u c t s + E n er g y In cellular respiration, the reactants are glucose ( C 6 H 12 O 6 ) and oxygen ( O 2 ). The products are carbon dioxide ( C O 2 ) and water ( H 2 O ).
Analyzing the Options Now, let's examine the given options:
A. 6 O 2 + C 6 H 12 O 6 + Energy → 6 C O 2 + 6 H 2 O B. 6 C O 2 + 6 H 2 O + Energy → 6 O 2 + C 6 H 12 O 6 C. 6 O 2 + C 6 H 12 O 6 → 6 C O 2 + 6 H 2 O + Energy D. 6 C O 2 + 6 H 2 O → 6 O 2 + C 6 H 12 O 6 + Energy
Determining the Correct Equation Option A has energy on the reactants side, which is incorrect for cellular respiration. Option B has the reactants and products reversed and includes energy on the reactants side, which is incorrect. Option C correctly shows glucose and oxygen as reactants and carbon dioxide and water as products, with energy released. Option D has the reactants and products reversed.
Conclusion Therefore, the correct equation for cellular respiration is: 6 O 2 + C 6 H 12 O 6 → 6 C O 2 + 6 H 2 O + E n er g y This equation shows that oxygen and glucose react to produce carbon dioxide, water, and energy.
Examples
Cellular respiration is similar to burning fuel in a car engine. The car uses gasoline (like glucose) and oxygen to produce energy, releasing carbon dioxide and water as exhaust. Similarly, our cells use glucose and oxygen to produce energy, releasing carbon dioxide and water as waste products. Understanding this process helps us appreciate how our bodies convert food into the energy we need to live and function.
