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Multiple Choice
Which of the following are the main reactants in the process of cellular respiration?
A
Carbon dioxide and water ($\mathrm{CO_2}$ and $\mathrm{H_2O}$)
B
Glucose and oxygen ($\mathrm{C_6H_{12}O_6}$ and $\mathrm{O_2}$)
C
Glucose and carbon dioxide ($\mathrm{C_6H_{12}O_6}$ and $\mathrm{CO_2}$)
D
Oxygen and ATP ($\mathrm{O_2}$ and ATP)
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the process of cellular respiration. Cellular respiration is a metabolic pathway that converts glucose into energy (ATP) using oxygen. It occurs in three main stages: glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation.
Step 2: Identify the main reactants in cellular respiration. Reactants are substances that are consumed during a chemical reaction. In cellular respiration, glucose ($\mathrm{C_6H_{12}O_6}$) and oxygen ($\mathrm{O_2}$) are the primary reactants.
Step 3: Recall the 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 that glucose and oxygen are consumed to produce carbon dioxide, water, and energy.
Step 4: Eliminate incorrect options based on the chemical equation. Carbon dioxide ($\mathrm{CO_2}$) and water ($\mathrm{H_2O}$) are products, not reactants. ATP is also a product, not a reactant. Glucose and carbon dioxide ($\mathrm{C_6H_{12}O_6}$ and $\mathrm{CO_2}$) do not react together in this process.
Step 5: Conclude that the correct answer is glucose ($\mathrm{C_6H_{12}O_6}$) and oxygen ($\mathrm{O_2}$), as they are the main reactants in cellular respiration.