How does the cellular respiration equation demonstrate the conservation of matter?

Answer 1

The cellular respiration equation is as follows:

C6H12O6 + 6O2 -> 6CO2 + 6H2O + energy (36-38 ATP)

In this equation, glucose (C6H12O6) and oxygen (O2) are consumed, resulting in the production of carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O) as waste products. Additionally, energy in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is generated.

The conservation of matter is demonstrated in this equation because the total number of atoms on the reactant side (glucose and oxygen) is equal to the total number of atoms on the product side (carbon dioxide and water). This means that no atoms are created or destroyed during cellular respiration, thereby adhering to the principle of the conservation of matter. The atoms are only rearranged to form different molecules.