Which of the following is the correct balanced chemical equation for cellular respiration?

• A. C_6H_{12}O_6 + 6O_2 \rightarrow 6CO_2 + 6H_2O + \text{energy}
• B. 6CO_2 + 6H_2O \rightarrow C_6H_{12}O_6 + 6O_2
• C. C_6H_{12}O_6 + 6H_2O \rightarrow 6CO_2 + 6O_2 + \text{energy}
• D. C_6H_{12}O_6 + 6CO_2 \rightarrow 6O_2 + 6H_2O

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the process of cellular respiration. Cellular respiration is a metabolic pathway that converts glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆) and oxygen (O₂) into carbon dioxide (CO₂), water (H₂O), and energy (usually in the form of ATP). This process is essential for producing energy in living organisms.
2. Step 2: Recall the general formula for cellular respiration. The balanced chemical equation for cellular respiration is: C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂ → 6CO₂ + 6H₂O + energy. This equation shows that one molecule of glucose reacts with six molecules of oxygen to produce six molecules of carbon dioxide, six molecules of water, and energy.
3. Step 3: Analyze the options provided. Compare each option to the general formula for cellular respiration. Look for the correct reactants (glucose and oxygen) and products (carbon dioxide, water, and energy). Ensure the equation is balanced, meaning the number of atoms for each element is the same on both sides of the equation.
4. Step 4: Eliminate incorrect options. For example, the second option (6CO₂ + 6H₂O → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂) represents photosynthesis, not cellular respiration. Similarly, the third and fourth options have incorrect reactants or products that do not align with the cellular respiration process.
5. Step 5: Select the correct balanced equation. Based on the analysis, the correct equation for cellular respiration is: C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂ → 6CO₂ + 6H₂O + energy. This matches the general formula and is balanced properly.