In one or two sentences, explain how the chemical equation for cellular respiration shows that plants cycle matter. Include numbers of molecules and atoms involved to support your explanation.

Answer 1

The chemical equation for cellular respiration in plants, C6H12O6 + 6O2 -> 6CO2 + 6H2O + ATP, demonstrates the cycling of matter as carbon from glucose molecules (which contain 6 atoms) is released as carbon dioxide and oxygen molecules (which contain 6 atoms) are consumed, eventually forming water molecules. This process shows how plants utilize and recycle atoms and molecules to produce energy for their growth and development.