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Multiple Choice
Which of the following are the main reactants in the process of cellular respiration?
A
Oxygen and ATP ($\mathrm{O_2}$ and ATP)
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
Carbon dioxide and water ($\mathrm{CO_2}$ 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 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 involved 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: $\mathrm{C_6H_{12}O_6} + \mathrm{6O_2} \rightarrow \mathrm{6CO_2} + \mathrm{6H_2O} + \text{Energy (ATP)}$. This equation shows that glucose and oxygen are used to produce carbon dioxide, water, and energy.
Step 4: Analyze the options provided in the question. Oxygen and ATP are not reactants; ATP is a product of cellular respiration. Glucose and carbon dioxide cannot be reactants because carbon dioxide is a product. Carbon dioxide and water are also products, not reactants.
Step 5: Conclude that the correct answer is glucose ($\mathrm{C_6H_{12}O_6}$) and oxygen ($\mathrm{O_2}$), as these are the main reactants consumed during cellular respiration to produce energy.