Question

this diagram is a model that summarizes the process of cellular respiration.

which feature of the model represents the most stored chemical energy?

a. the sugar molecule
b. the carbon dioxide molecule
c. the water molecule
d. the oxygen gas molecule

Explanation:

In cellular respiration, the sugar molecule (glucose, \(C_6H_{12}O_6\)) is the starting reactant that stores a large amount of chemical energy. Oxygen (\(O_2\)), carbon dioxide (\(CO_2\)), and water (\(H_2O\)) are involved in the process, but sugar is the primary energy - storing molecule here as it is broken down to release energy. So the sugar molecule has the most stored chemical energy among the options.

Answer:

A. The sugar molecule