Which of the following is NOT a reactant in the process of cellular respiration?

• A. Oxygen (\(O_2\))
• B. Glucose (\(C_6H_{12}O_6\))
• C. Water (\(H_2O\))
• D. Carbon dioxide (\(CO_2\))

Answer: (D)

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 (\(C_6H_{12}O_6\)) and oxygen (\(O_2\)) into energy in the form of ATP, with carbon dioxide (\(CO_2\)) and water (\(H_2O\)) as byproducts.
2. Step 2: Identify the reactants in cellular respiration. Reactants are substances that are consumed during the reaction. In cellular respiration, the primary reactants are glucose (\(C_6H_{12}O_6\)) and oxygen (\(O_2\)).
3. Step 3: Recognize the products of cellular respiration. The products are substances formed as a result of the reaction. Cellular respiration produces carbon dioxide (\(CO_2\)), water (\(H_2O\)), and ATP.
4. Step 4: Analyze the options provided in the question. Oxygen (\(O_2\)) and glucose (\(C_6H_{12}O_6\)) are reactants, while water (\(H_2O\)) is a product. Carbon dioxide (\(CO_2\)) is also a product, not a reactant.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the correct answer is carbon dioxide (\(CO_2\)), as it is not a reactant in the process of cellular respiration but rather a product.