Final answer:
The breakdown of glucose to carbon dioxide and water is an exergonic reaction known as cellular respiration
(option c) , in which energy is released and molecules are broken down.
Step-by-step explanation:
The breakdown of glucose to carbon dioxide and water is best described as both an exergonic reaction and cellular respiration. An exergonic reaction is one in which energy is released to the surroundings. Cellular respiration is the process where cells convert glucose and oxygen into carbon dioxide, water, and energy. This aligns with what we know about catabolic reactions, which occur in organisms to break down molecules into smaller units and release energy.
In cellular respiration, the chemical equation is
C6H12O6 + 6O2 → 6CO2 + 6H2O + Energy.
Since energy is released, and the reaction leads to the breakdown of glucose, it is considered an exergonic reaction. The ΔG° (change in free energy) for cellular respiration is negative, indicating the reaction is exergonic by nature.