Question

All organisms must utilize sugar in the form of glucose (C6H12O6) to release energy in order to undergo life processes. This process is called cellular respiration and occurs in the mitochondria of all cells. The chemical equation is shown below along with the mass of each substance in the given chemical reaction. Using complete sentences, IDENTIFY the chemical equation that is considered an element.

Answer 1

Cellular respiration is a process where glucose is broken down in the presence of oxygen to release carbon dioxide, water, and energy. This energy is stored as ATP, which is used for various cellular functions. The process occurs in mitochondria and is vital for both autotrophs and heterotrophs.

Step-by-step explanation:

All organisms participate in a process called cellular respiration, which is essential for extracting energy from nutrients. The chemical equation for cellular respiration is: C6H12O6 + 6O2 → 6CO2 + 6H2O + Energy. This equation represents the breakdown of glucose (C6H12O6) in the presence of oxygen to produce carbon dioxide, water, and energy in the form of ATP (adenosine triphosphate). Cellular respiration occurs in the mitochondria and is fundamental for both autotrophs and heterotrophs. Autotrophs, like plants and certain bacteria, produce their own food through photosynthesis, but still require cellular respiration to convert that food into usable energy. Heterotrophs, such as animals and humans, obtain energy by consuming organic matter and also rely on cellular respiration for energy release from food nutrients.

Cellular respiration can be split into three main stages: glycolysis, the Krebs cycle (also known as the citric acid cycle), and the electron transport chain. These stages work together to convert biochemical energy from nutrients into ATP which powers cellular activities.