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Multiple Choice
What substance is oxidized during cellular respiration?
A
Oxygen
B
Water
C
Glucose
D
Carbon dioxide
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the process of cellular respiration: Cellular respiration is a metabolic process that converts glucose into energy in the form of ATP, with the consumption of oxygen and the production of carbon dioxide and water.
Identify the role of glucose: In cellular respiration, glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆) is the primary fuel molecule that is broken down to release energy.
Define oxidation in biological terms: Oxidation involves the loss of electrons from a molecule. In the context of cellular respiration, the substance that loses electrons is considered oxidized.
Determine which substance is oxidized: During cellular respiration, glucose is oxidized. It loses electrons and hydrogen atoms, which are transferred to electron carriers like NAD⁺, forming NADH.
Recognize the overall reaction: The overall chemical equation for cellular respiration is C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂ → 6CO₂ + 6H₂O + energy (ATP). Here, glucose is oxidized to carbon dioxide, while oxygen is reduced to water.