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Multiple Choice
Which of the following are reactants for cellular respiration?
A
Glucose and oxygen ($\mathrm{C_6H_{12}O_6}$ and $\mathrm{O_2}$)
B
Carbon dioxide and water ($\mathrm{CO_2}$ and $\mathrm{H_2O}$)
C
Glucose and carbon dioxide ($\mathrm{C_6H_{12}O_6}$ and $\mathrm{CO_2}$)
D
Oxygen and water ($\mathrm{O_2}$ and $\mathrm{H_2O}$)
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Begin by understanding the process of cellular respiration. Cellular respiration is a metabolic pathway that converts glucose ($\mathrm{C_6H_{12}O_6}$) and oxygen ($\mathrm{O_2}$) into energy in the form of ATP, with carbon dioxide ($\mathrm{CO_2}$) and water ($\mathrm{H_2O}$) as byproducts.
Step 2: Recall the general chemical equation for cellular respiration: $\mathrm{C_6H_{12}O_6} + 6\mathrm{O_2} \rightarrow 6\mathrm{CO_2} + 6\mathrm{H_2O} + \text{Energy (ATP)}$. This equation shows the reactants and products involved in the process.
Step 3: Identify the reactants in the equation. Reactants are the substances that are consumed during the reaction. In this case, glucose ($\mathrm{C_6H_{12}O_6}$) and oxygen ($\mathrm{O_2}$) are the reactants.
Step 4: Eliminate the incorrect options by comparing them to the chemical equation. Carbon dioxide ($\mathrm{CO_2}$) and water ($\mathrm{H_2O}$) are products, not reactants. Similarly, glucose ($\mathrm{C_6H_{12}O_6}$) and carbon dioxide ($\mathrm{CO_2}$) do not pair as reactants, and oxygen ($\mathrm{O_2}$) and water ($\mathrm{H_2O}$) are not both reactants either.
Step 5: Conclude that the correct answer is glucose ($\mathrm{C_6H_{12}O_6}$) and oxygen ($\mathrm{O_2}$), as these are the substances required to initiate cellular respiration.