Final answer:
The oxidation of glucose with oxygen produces carbon dioxide and water, releasing energy in the process. This exothermic reaction is crucial for generating ATP, the energy currency of cells.
Step-by-step explanation:
The oxidation of glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆) with oxygen (O₂) yields carbon dioxide (CO₂) and water (H₂O). In this chemical reaction, one molecule of glucose reacts with six molecules of oxygen to produce six molecules of carbon dioxide and six molecules of water.
Chemically, the equation for this process is C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂ → 6CO₂ + 6H₂O. This reaction is exothermic, releasing energy in the form of heat, which amounts to 2803 kJ per mole of glucose consumed.
This energy release is essential for cellular processes, as glucose metabolism within the body's cells is a major source of energy in the form of ATP (adenosine triphosphate).