Although cellular respiration involves many steps, the whole process can be represented by a single equation:
[tex]A+B \rightarrow C+D+E[/tex]
Which substances would complete the equation that models the overall process of cellular respiration?
A:
B:
C:
D:
E:
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 ( 6 O 2 ).
The products are carbon dioxide ( 6 C O 2 ), water ( 6 H 2 O ), and energy (ATP).
The completed equation is: C 6 H 12 O 6 + 6 O 2 → 6 C O 2 + 6 H 2 O + E n er g y .
Explanation
Understanding Cellular Respiration Cellular respiration is a fundamental process where living cells convert glucose and oxygen into energy, releasing carbon dioxide and water as byproducts. The general equation representing this process is:
C 6 H 12 O 6 + O 2 → C O 2 + H 2 O + E n er g y
Where:
C 6 H 12 O 6 represents glucose.
O 2 represents oxygen.
C O 2 represents carbon dioxide.
H 2 O represents water.
Energy is typically in the form of ATP (adenosine triphosphate).
Identifying the Substances Based on the general equation for cellular respiration, we can identify the substances that complete the given equation:
A + B → C + D + E
Comparing this with the balanced equation for cellular respiration:
C 6 H 12 O 6 + 6 O 2 → 6 C O 2 + 6 H 2 O + E n er g y
We can fill in the blanks as follows:
A: C 6 H 12 O 6 (Glucose) B: 6 O 2 (Oxygen) C: 6 C O 2 (Carbon Dioxide) D: 6 H 2 O (Water) E: Energy (ATP)
The Complete Equation Therefore, the completed equation representing cellular respiration is:
C 6 H 12 O 6 + 6 O 2 → 6 C O 2 + 6 H 2 O + E n er g y
Examples
Cellular respiration is similar to burning fuel in a car engine. The car needs gasoline (glucose) and oxygen to run. It produces carbon dioxide and water as exhaust, and energy is released to power the car. Similarly, our cells use glucose and oxygen to produce energy, releasing carbon dioxide and water as byproducts. This energy keeps us alive and active, just like the car's engine.
