Which chemical reaction represents the matter and energy conversions that occur during cellular respiration?
A. Sunlight + $CO_2 \rightarrow$ Glucose + $O_2$
B. Glucose + $CO_2 \rightarrow$ Energy + $O_2$ + Water
C. Energy + Water + $CO_2 \rightarrow$ Sugar + $O_2$
D. Sugar + $O_2 \rightarrow$ ATP + $CO_2$ + Water
Answer (1)
The chemical reaction that represents cellular respiration is: Sugar + O 2 → ATP + C O 2 + Water. This process involves the breakdown of sugar in the presence of oxygen to produce energy (ATP), carbon dioxide, and water as byproducts. Therefore, the correct answer is D.
Explanation
Understanding Cellular Respiration We need to identify the chemical reaction that correctly represents cellular respiration. Cellular respiration is the process where organisms convert glucose (sugar) and oxygen into energy (ATP), releasing carbon dioxide and water as byproducts.
Analyzing the Options Let's analyze each option:
Option A: Sunlight + C O 2 → Glucose + O 2 . This equation represents photosynthesis, where plants use sunlight and carbon dioxide to produce glucose and oxygen. It's the reverse of cellular respiration.
Option B: Glucose + C O 2 → Energy + O 2 + Water. This is incorrect because carbon dioxide ( C O 2 ) is a product of cellular respiration, not a reactant.
Option C: Energy + Water + C O 2 → Sugar + O 2 . This equation is also the reverse of cellular respiration; it resembles photosynthesis.
Option D: Sugar + O 2 → ATP + C O 2 + Water. This equation accurately represents cellular respiration. Sugar (glucose) and oxygen react to produce energy (in the form of ATP), carbon dioxide, and water.
Identifying the Correct Reaction Based on the analysis, option D correctly represents cellular respiration.
Examples
Cellular respiration is like a car engine. The engine takes in gasoline (sugar) and oxygen, burns them to produce energy to move the car (ATP), and releases exhaust (carbon dioxide and water). Similarly, our cells take in glucose and oxygen, convert them into energy for our bodies to function, and release 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 perform daily activities. This conversion is essential for all living organisms, from the smallest bacteria to the largest animals.
