Cellular respiration is a metabolic process in which cells convert glucose and oxygen into energy, carbon dioxide, and water. The overall chemical equation for cellular respiration can be summarized as follows:
Reactants:
- Glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆)
- Oxygen (O₂)
Products:
- Carbon Dioxide (CO₂)
- Water (H₂O)
- Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) - the energy currency of the cell
The overall equation for cellular respiration is:
\[ \text{C₆H₁₂O₆} + 6 \text{O₂} \rightarrow 6 \text{CO₂} + 6 \text{H₂O} + \text{ATP} \]
In addition to these products, heat is also released as a byproduct of the process.