using the chemical equation for cellular respiration, explain how the amounts of oxygen and carbon dioxide inhaled by the lungs is different from the amounts exhaled
Cellular respiration is the process by which cells convert glucose and oxygen into carbon dioxide, water, and energy in the form of ATP (adenosine triphosphate). The chemical equation for cellular respiration is:
C6H12O6 + 6O2 -> 6CO2 + 6H2O + ATP
In this equation, glucose (C6H12O6) is combined with oxygen (O2) to produce carbon dioxide (CO2), water (H2O), and ATP. This process occurs in the cells of our body, including muscle cells and other tissues.
When we inhale, we take in air that contains oxygen. This oxygen is then transported to the cells in our body, where it reacts with glucose through cellular respiration. During this process, carbon dioxide is produced as a waste product, which is transported back to the lungs.
The main difference between the amounts of oxygen inhaled and carbon dioxide exhaled is due to the utilization of oxygen by our cells. When we inhale, we take in oxygen, and a portion of this oxygen is used in cellular respiration. However, not all of the oxygen we inhale is used in this process. Some of it remains in the lungs and is exhaled back out.
On the other hand, when cells undergo cellular respiration, carbon dioxide is produced as a byproduct. This carbon dioxide diffuses out of the cells and is transported by the bloodstream back to the lungs. It then moves from the blood into the alveoli (air sacs) found in the lungs and is eventually exhaled.
Therefore, the amount of oxygen inhaled is higher than the amount exhaled because some of the inhaled oxygen is used in cellular respiration, while the remaining oxygen is exhaled. Similarly, the amount of carbon dioxide exhaled is higher than the amount inhaled since carbon dioxide is produced as a result of cellular respiration and is subsequently excreted from the body through exhalation.