What is the basic chemical formula for cellular respiration?
The basic chemical formula for cellular respiration is C6H12O6 + 6O2 -> 6CO2 + 6H2O + energy (ATP). This formula represents the process in which cells break down glucose (C6H12O6) and oxygen (O2) to produce carbon dioxide (CO2), water (H2O), and energy in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP).
To get to this answer, you can start by understanding the components involved in cellular respiration. Glucose (C6H12O6) is a simple sugar that serves as the primary fuel for cellular respiration. Oxygen (O2) is required for the final step of cellular respiration, where it acts as the final electron acceptor.
The process of cellular respiration involves several stages, including glycolysis, the citric acid cycle (also known as the Krebs cycle), and oxidative phosphorylation. During these stages, molecules of glucose are broken down and rearranged, releasing CO2, H2O, and ATP.
So, by understanding the inputs (glucose and oxygen) and outputs (carbon dioxide, water, and ATP) of cellular respiration, we can derive the basic chemical formula as C6H12O6 + 6O2 -> 6CO2 + 6H2O + energy (ATP).