Which of the following represents the balanced chemical equation for cellular respiration?

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

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the concept of cellular respiration. Cellular respiration is a metabolic process where glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆) is broken down in the presence of oxygen (O₂) to produce carbon dioxide (CO₂), water (H₂O), and energy in the form of ATP.
2. Step 2: Recall the general balanced chemical equation for cellular respiration. The equation is: C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6 O₂ → 6 CO₂ + 6 H₂O + energy. This represents the complete oxidation of glucose.
3. Step 3: Analyze the given options. Compare each equation to the general balanced equation for cellular respiration. Look for the correct stoichiometric coefficients and the presence of all reactants and products.
4. Step 4: Eliminate incorrect options. For example, the equation 6 CO₂ + 6 H₂O → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6 O₂ represents photosynthesis, not cellular respiration. Similarly, C₆H₁₂O₆ → 2 C₂H₅OH + 2 CO₂ represents fermentation, not cellular respiration.
5. Step 5: Identify the correct answer. The equation C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6 O₂ → 6 CO₂ + 6 H₂O + energy matches the balanced chemical equation for cellular respiration, as it includes the correct reactants, products, and stoichiometric coefficients.