What is the chemical equation for cellular respiration?

The correct chemical equation for cellular respiration is represented as C6H12O6 + 6O2 → 6CO2 + 6H2O + ATP. This process describes how glucose (C6H12O6) and oxygen (O2) are converted into carbon dioxide (CO2), water (H2O), and adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is the energy currency of the cell.

Cellular respiration is a critical metabolic pathway that allows organisms to extract energy from food. Glucose, derived from carbohydrates, is oxidized in the presence of oxygen, resulting in the release of energy stored in its chemical bonds. This energy is captured in the form of ATP, which is used to power various cellular processes.

The production of carbon dioxide and water as byproducts is also a key aspect of the equation, highlighting the role of respiration in the overall carbon cycle and the importance of oxygen in aerobic organisms. This process occurs in the mitochondria of cells, where enzymes facilitate each step of the reaction.

The other options do not accurately describe the cellular respiration process. Some suggest incorrect reactants or products, such as light energy, which is not involved in cellular respiration but rather in photosynthesis, or they