Which of the following correctly represents the overall chemical equation for cellular respiration?

• A. \(\mathrm{C_6H_{12}O_6} + 6\ \mathrm{O_2} \rightarrow 6\ \mathrm{CO_2} + 6\ \mathrm{H_2O} + \text{energy}\)
• B. \(\mathrm{C_6H_{12}O_6} \rightarrow 2\ \mathrm{C_2H_5OH} + 2\ \mathrm{CO_2}\)
• C. \$6\ \mathrm{CO_2} + 6\ \mathrm{H_2O} \rightarrow \mathrm{C_6H_{12}O_6} + 6\ \mathrm{O_2}$
• D. \(\mathrm{C_6H_{12}O_6} + 6\ \mathrm{O_2} \rightarrow 2\ \mathrm{C_3H_6O_3} + 6\ \mathrm{H_2O}\)

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the concept of cellular respiration. Cellular respiration is a metabolic process where glucose (\(\mathrm{C_6H_{12}O_6}\)) is broken down in the presence of oxygen (\(\mathrm{O_2}\)) to produce carbon dioxide (\(\mathrm{CO_2}\)), water (\(\mathrm{H_2O}\)), and energy in the form of ATP.
2. Step 2: Recall the overall chemical equation for cellular respiration. The general formula is: \(\mathrm{C_6H_{12}O_6} + 6\ \mathrm{O_2} \rightarrow 6\ \mathrm{CO_2} + 6\ \mathrm{H_2O} + \text{energy}\). This represents the complete oxidation of glucose.
3. Step 3: Analyze the given options. Compare each option to the correct chemical equation for cellular respiration. Look for the presence of glucose (\(\mathrm{C_6H_{12}O_6}\)), oxygen (\(\mathrm{O_2}\)), carbon dioxide (\(\mathrm{CO_2}\)), water (\(\mathrm{H_2O}\)), and energy.
4. Step 4: Eliminate incorrect options. For example, the second option (\(\mathrm{C_6H_{12}O_6} \rightarrow 2\ \mathrm{C_2H_5OH} + 2\ \mathrm{CO_2}\)) represents fermentation, not cellular respiration. Similarly, the third option (\$6\ \mathrm{CO_2} + 6\ \mathrm{H_2O} \rightarrow \mathrm{C_6H_{12}O_6} + 6\ \mathrm{O_2}$) is the reverse process, photosynthesis.
5. Step 5: Identify the correct representation. The correct equation for cellular respiration is \(\mathrm{C_6H_{12}O_6} + 6\ \mathrm{O_2} \rightarrow 6\ \mathrm{CO_2} + 6\ \mathrm{H_2O} + \text{energy}\), as it accurately describes the breakdown of glucose in the presence of oxygen to produce carbon dioxide, water, and energy.