Which of the following is the correct equation for aerobic cellular respiration?

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

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the process of aerobic cellular respiration. It is the metabolic pathway 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 general chemical equation for aerobic cellular respiration: \(\mathrm{C_6H_{12}O_6} + 6\,\mathrm{O_2} \rightarrow 6\,\mathrm{CO_2} + 6\,\mathrm{H_2O} + \text{energy (ATP)}\). This equation represents the complete oxidation of glucose.
3. Step 3: Compare the given options to the general equation for aerobic cellular respiration. Identify which option matches the correct stoichiometry and products of the process.
4. Step 4: Eliminate incorrect options. For example, the equation \(\mathrm{C_6H_{12}O_6} \rightarrow 2\,\mathrm{C_2H_5OH} + 2\,\mathrm{CO_2} + \text{energy}\) represents fermentation, not aerobic respiration. Similarly, \$6\,\mathrm{CO_2} + 6\,\mathrm{H_2O} \rightarrow \mathrm{C_6H_{12}O_6} + 6\,\mathrm{O_2}$ represents photosynthesis, which is the reverse of respiration.
5. Step 5: Confirm that the correct equation for aerobic cellular respiration is \(\mathrm{C_6H_{12}O_6} + 6\,\mathrm{O_2} \rightarrow 6\,\mathrm{CO_2} + 6\,\mathrm{H_2O} + \text{energy (ATP)}\), as it accurately describes the process of glucose oxidation in the presence of oxygen.