Question

6co₂ + 6h₂o → c₆h₁₂o₆ + 6o₂
based on this equation, what is the correct equation for cellular respiration?
12o₂ + c₆h₁₂o₆ → 6co₂ + 6h₂o
6o₂ + c₆h₁₂o₆ → 6co₂ + 6h₂o
12co₂ + 6h₂o → c₆h₁₂o₆ + 6o₂
2co₂ + 6h₂o → c₆h₁₂o₆ + 6o₂

Explanation:

Cellular respiration is the reverse of photosynthesis. In photosynthesis, \(6CO_2 + 6H_2O
ightarrow C_6H_{12}O_6+6O_2\). For cellular respiration, glucose (\(C_6H_{12}O_6\)) reacts with oxygen (\(O_2\)) to produce carbon dioxide (\(CO_2\)) and water (\(H_2O\)). We check the stoichiometry: 6 moles of \(O_2\) react with 1 mole of \(C_6H_{12}O_6\) to give 6 moles of \(CO_2\) and 6 moles of \(H_2O\).

Answer:

\(6O_2 + C_6H_{12}O_6
ightarrow6CO_2 + 6H_2O\) (the second option in the given choices)