The chemical equation for cellular respiration is 6 O₂ + C₆H₁₂O₆ → 6 CO₂ + 6 H₂O, illustrating that 6 molecules of oxygen and 1 molecule of glucose (which contains 6 carbon and 12 hydrogen atoms) are converted into 6 molecules of carbon dioxide and 6 molecules of water, demonstrating how plants recycle carbon and hydrogen in the ecosystem. This process highlights the cycling of matter, as the products (CO₂ and H₂O) can be used in photosynthesis to produce glucose and oxygen, thus reconnecting the cycle.
In one or two SHORT sentences, explain how the chemical equation for cellular respiration shows that plants cycle matter. Please include the numbers of molecules and atoms involved to support your explanation. Thank you
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