Which gas is released as a byproduct during aerobic cellular respiration?

• A. Methane (\(\mathrm{CH_4}\))
• B. Nitrogen (\(\mathrm{N_2}\))
• C. Carbon dioxide (\(\mathrm{CO_2}\))
• D. Oxygen (\(\mathrm{O_2}\))

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Begin by understanding the process of aerobic cellular respiration, which is the metabolic pathway where cells convert glucose and oxygen into energy (ATP), water, and carbon dioxide.
2. Step 2: Recall the chemical equation for aerobic cellular respiration: \( ext{C}_6 ext{H}_{12} ext{O}_6 + 6 ext{O}_2 ightarrow 6 ext{CO}_2 + 6 ext{H}_2 ext{O} + ext{Energy (ATP)}\). This equation shows the reactants (glucose and oxygen) and the products (carbon dioxide, water, and energy).
3. Step 3: Identify the byproducts of the reaction. In this case, carbon dioxide (\( ext{CO}_2\)) and water (\( ext{H}_2 ext{O}\)) are released as byproducts, while ATP is the main energy product.
4. Step 4: Compare the options provided in the question. Methane (\( ext{CH}_4\)) and nitrogen (\( ext{N}_2\)) are not involved in aerobic cellular respiration, and oxygen (\( ext{O}_2\)) is a reactant, not a byproduct.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the correct answer is carbon dioxide (\( ext{CO}_2\)), as it is released as a byproduct during aerobic cellular respiration.