The equation \( \mathrm{C_6H_{12}O_6} + 6\mathrm{O_2} \rightarrow 38\ \mathrm{ATP} + 6\mathrm{CO_2} + 6\mathrm{H_2O} \) represents which cellular process?

• A. Anaerobic respiration
• B. Aerobic respiration
• C. Photosynthesis
• D. Fermentation

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Begin by analyzing the given chemical equation: \( \mathrm{C_6H_{12}O_6} + 6\mathrm{O_2} \rightarrow 38\ \mathrm{ATP} + 6\mathrm{CO_2} + 6\mathrm{H_2O} \). This equation represents the breakdown of glucose (\( \mathrm{C_6H_{12}O_6} \)) in the presence of oxygen (\( \mathrm{O_2} \)) to produce energy in the form of ATP, along with carbon dioxide (\( \mathrm{CO_2} \)) and water (\( \mathrm{H_2O} \)).
2. Step 2: Recall the key characteristics of aerobic respiration. It is a cellular process that requires oxygen (\( \mathrm{O_2} \)) to completely oxidize glucose into carbon dioxide and water, producing a high yield of ATP (typically 36-38 ATP molecules per glucose molecule).
3. Step 3: Compare the given equation to the processes listed in the options. Anaerobic respiration and fermentation do not require oxygen and produce much less ATP (usually 2 ATP per glucose molecule). Photosynthesis, on the other hand, is an anabolic process that synthesizes glucose and oxygen using light energy, which is the opposite of the given equation.
4. Step 4: Identify that the presence of oxygen (\( \mathrm{O_2} \)) and the high ATP yield (38 ATP) in the equation are hallmarks of aerobic respiration. This matches the description of the process in the question.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the correct answer is aerobic respiration, as it aligns with the chemical equation provided and the characteristics of the process.