In cellular respiration, the most common reaction considered is the complete oxidation of glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆) to carbon dioxide (CO₂) and water (H₂O). The overall chemical equation for cellular respiration can be summarized as:
\[ C_6H_{12}O_6 + 6 O_2 \rightarrow 6 CO_2 + 6 H_2O \]
Reactant Side:
- Carbon Atoms: 6 (from glucose)
- Hydrogen Atoms: 12 (from glucose)
- Oxygen Atoms: 8 (6 from O₂ and 2 from glucose)
Product Side:
- Carbon Atoms: 6 (from 6 CO₂)
- Hydrogen Atoms: 12 (from 6 H₂O)
- Oxygen Atoms: 18 (12 from 6 CO₂ and 6 from 6 H₂O)
Summary:
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Total Reactants:
- Carbon: 6
- Hydrogen: 12
- Oxygen: 8
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Total Products:
- Carbon: 6
- Hydrogen: 12
- Oxygen: 18
This overall reaction demonstrates the conservation of mass, where the number of carbon and hydrogen atoms remains constant on both sides, while the total number of oxygen atoms reflects the reactants' involvement in the combustion process of glucose.
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