Final answer:
The overall chemical equation for cellular respiration is C6H12O6 + 6O2 → 6CO2 + 6H2O + Energy (in ATP). Glucose is the primary energy source, which is metabolized through glycolysis, the Krebs cycle, and the electron transport chain to produce ATP.
Step-by-step explanation:
The overall chemical equation for cellular respiration is composed of the following reactants and products: one molecule of glucose (C6H12O6) and six molecules of oxygen (O2), which through cellular respiration yields six molecules of carbon dioxide (CO2), six molecules of water (H2O), and chemical energy in the form of ATP. The equation can be represented as:
C6H12O6 + 6O2 → 6CO2 + 6H2O + Energy (in ATP)
The energy source for cellular respiration is the breakdown of glucose, which provides the necessary fuel for producing ATP, the energy currency of the cell. This biochemical process takes place in three stages: glycolysis in the cytoplasm, the Krebs cycle, and the electron transport chain in the mitochondria.
Photosynthesis and cellular respiration are intimately connected processes, as the products of one serve as the reactants for the other, thus creating a cycle that is fundamental for most life forms on Earth. In every step of cellular respiration, the main objective is to produce ATP, which is then used for various cellular functions.