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Multiple Choice
Which product is primarily released by the respiratory system when a person exhales during cellular respiration?
A
Oxygen ($\mathrm{O_2}$)
B
Glucose ($\mathrm{C_6H_{12}O_6}$)
C
Carbon dioxide ($\mathrm{CO_2}$)
D
Water ($\mathrm{H_2O}$)
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the process of cellular respiration. Cellular respiration is the process by which cells convert glucose ($\mathrm{C_6H_{12}O_6}$) and oxygen ($\mathrm{O_2}$) into energy in the form of ATP, releasing byproducts such as carbon dioxide ($\mathrm{CO_2}$) and water ($\mathrm{H_2O}$).
Step 2: Identify the role of the respiratory system in cellular respiration. The respiratory system facilitates gas exchange, bringing in oxygen ($\mathrm{O_2}$) for cellular respiration and removing carbon dioxide ($\mathrm{CO_2}$), a waste product of the process.
Step 3: Recall the chemical equation for cellular respiration: $\mathrm{C_6H_{12}O_6 + 6O_2 \rightarrow 6CO_2 + 6H_2O + Energy (ATP)}$. This equation shows that carbon dioxide ($\mathrm{CO_2}$) is produced as a byproduct during the breakdown of glucose.
Step 4: Consider the act of exhaling. When a person exhales, the respiratory system expels carbon dioxide ($\mathrm{CO_2}$) that has been transported from the cells to the lungs via the bloodstream.
Step 5: Conclude that the primary product released by the respiratory system during exhalation is carbon dioxide ($\mathrm{CO_2}$), as it is a waste product of cellular respiration.