Question

In your own words, explain what the summary equation tells you about cellular respiration.

Answer 1

The summary equation for cellular respiration represents the conversion of glucose and oxygen into carbon dioxide, water, and ATP, the opposite process of photosynthesis. It indicates how cells extract energy from food and helps maintain stable atmospheric levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide.

Step-by-step explanation:

The summary equation for cellular respiration provides a concise description of the process by which cells convert glucose and oxygen into carbon dioxide, water, and chemical energy in the form of ATP (adenosine triphosphate). Specifically, the equation C6H12O6 + 6O2 → 6CO2 + 6H2O + ATP represents the transformation of the energy contained in the bonds of glucose molecules into a form usable by cells for biological functions. This process is vital for the maintenance of life and is the mirror opposite of photosynthesis, where plants produce glucose and oxygen from carbon dioxide and water using energy from sunlight.

The exchange of carbon dioxide and oxygen through cellular respiration and photosynthesis worldwide helps to keep atmospheric oxygen and carbon dioxide at stable levels. Cellular respiration occurs in three stages: glycolysis, the Krebs cycle (also known as the citric acid cycle), and the electron transport chain. Each stage involves a series of biochemical reactions that progressively capture energy from glucose and transfer it into the high-energy phosphate bonds of ATP.

Answer 2

Cellular respiration according to equation
C₂H₂O₂ + 6O₂ ⇒ 6CO₂ + 6H₂O + ATP
This equation tells that glucose molecule is broken down in the presence of oxygen into carbon dioxide, water and energy. However, its mechanism is not so simple, it complete in three steps. In first step also known as glycolysis, glucose molecule is broken down into two pyruvates with expenditure of energy. In second step and third step ( Kreb cycle and ETC) most of the energy is released in the form of ATP