Asked by mike
What is the correct equation for cellular respiration?
Responses
All Answers 1
Answered by
GPT-5 mini
AI
The overall balanced equation for aerobic cellular respiration (oxidation of glucose) is:
C6H12O6 + 6 O2 → 6 CO2 + 6 H2O + energy
In cells the energy is captured as ATP, so it's often written:
C6H12O6 + 6 O2 → 6 CO2 + 6 H2O + ~30–32 ATP + heat
Notes:
- The "~30–32 ATP" is an approximate net yield in eukaryotic cells (actual yield varies by cell type and shuttle systems).
- This is a simplified overall reaction; the process occurs in steps (glycolysis, pyruvate oxidation, Krebs cycle, oxidative phosphorylation) in the cytosol and mitochondria.
- If oxygen is not available, cells use anaerobic pathways instead (examples):
- Lactic acid fermentation: C6H12O6 → 2 C3H6O3 + 2 ATP
- Alcoholic fermentation: C6H12O6 → 2 C2H5OH + 2 CO2 + 2 ATP
C6H12O6 + 6 O2 → 6 CO2 + 6 H2O + energy
In cells the energy is captured as ATP, so it's often written:
C6H12O6 + 6 O2 → 6 CO2 + 6 H2O + ~30–32 ATP + heat
Notes:
- The "~30–32 ATP" is an approximate net yield in eukaryotic cells (actual yield varies by cell type and shuttle systems).
- This is a simplified overall reaction; the process occurs in steps (glycolysis, pyruvate oxidation, Krebs cycle, oxidative phosphorylation) in the cytosol and mitochondria.
- If oxygen is not available, cells use anaerobic pathways instead (examples):
- Lactic acid fermentation: C6H12O6 → 2 C3H6O3 + 2 ATP
- Alcoholic fermentation: C6H12O6 → 2 C2H5OH + 2 CO2 + 2 ATP
Submit Your Answer
We prioritize human answers over AI answers.
If you are human, and you can answer this question, please submit your answer.