Which of the following correctly lists the main reactants and products of cellular respiration?

• A. Reactants: glucose and carbon dioxide; Products: oxygen and ATP
• B. Reactants: ATP and water; Products: glucose and oxygen
• C. Reactants: glucose and oxygen; Products: carbon dioxide, water, and ATP
• D. Reactants: carbon dioxide and water; Products: glucose and oxygen

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Begin by understanding the process of cellular respiration. Cellular respiration is a metabolic pathway that converts glucose into energy (ATP) using oxygen, and it releases carbon dioxide and water as byproducts.
2. Step 2: Identify the reactants of cellular respiration. The reactants are the substances that are consumed during the process. In cellular respiration, glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆) and oxygen (O₂) are the main reactants.
3. Step 3: Identify the products of cellular respiration. The products are the substances that are formed as a result of the process. Cellular respiration produces carbon dioxide (CO₂), water (H₂O), and energy in the form of ATP.
4. Step 4: Compare the given options to the correct reactants and products. The correct answer should list glucose and oxygen as reactants, and carbon dioxide, water, and ATP as products.
5. Step 5: Eliminate incorrect options by checking if they match the reactants and products of cellular respiration. For example, options listing carbon dioxide and water as reactants or glucose and oxygen as products are incorrect.