Explain how the chemical equation for cellular respiration shows that plants cycle matter. Include the numbers of molecules and atoms involved to support your explanation.
The chemical equation for cellular respiration is:
C6H12O6 + 6O2 → 6CO2 + 6H2O + ATP
In this equation, glucose (C6H12O6) and oxygen (O2) are reactants, while carbon dioxide (CO2), water (H2O), and ATP (adenosine triphosphate) are products.
Plants undergo cellular respiration just like animals do, despite the fact that they also undergo photosynthesis. During cellular respiration, plants break down glucose molecules to release energy, which is stored in the form of ATP. This energy is essential for various cellular activities.
The equation demonstrates how plants cycle matter by showcasing the conversion of molecules and atoms. Let's break it down:
1. Glucose (C6H12O6) is a carbohydrate produced during the process of photosynthesis. In cellular respiration, glucose is the starting reactant. It contains 6 carbon (C) atoms, 12 hydrogen (H) atoms, and 6 oxygen (O) atoms.
2. Oxygen (O2) is required as an oxidizing agent for the breakdown of glucose. It enters the process as a reactant and contains 2 oxygen (O) atoms.
3. During cellular respiration, glucose reacts with oxygen, resulting in the release of energy and the production of carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O).
- Each glucose molecule (C6H12O6) reacts with 6 oxygen molecules (O2), resulting in the production of 6 carbon dioxide molecules (6CO2).
- Additionally, each glucose molecule (C6H12O6) reacts with 6 oxygen molecules (O2), leading to the formation of 6 water molecules (6H2O).
Therefore, each reaction cycle involving the conversion of one glucose molecule and 6 oxygen molecules results in the production of 6 carbon dioxide molecules (6CO2) and 6 water molecules (6H2O).
4. Alongside carbon dioxide and water, the products of cellular respiration also include ATP. However, the equation doesn't specify the exact number of ATP molecules produced, as it can vary. The ATP molecules store the energy released during cellular respiration and are crucial for the plant's metabolic processes.
By observing the chemical equation, we can see how plants cycle matter. They take in carbon dioxide from the atmosphere during photosynthesis and convert it into glucose. During cellular respiration, glucose is broken down, resulting in the release of carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere. Moreover, plants utilize oxygen from the air during cellular respiration, creating a continuous cycle of oxygen exchange as well.
Overall, the chemical equation for cellular respiration exemplifies how plants maintain a balance of matter by converting reactants into products and cycling carbon dioxide, water, and energy through their metabolic processes.
make it super short
The chemical equation for cellular respiration is:
C6H12O6 + 6O2 → 6CO2 + 6H2O + ATP
This equation shows that plants cycle matter by converting glucose and oxygen into carbon dioxide, water, and ATP energy.