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Multiple Choice
Which two reactants are required for the process of cellular respiration?
A
Glucose and carbon dioxide ($\mathrm{CO_2}$)
B
Glucose and oxygen ($\mathrm{O_2}$)
C
Carbon dioxide ($\mathrm{CO_2}$) and water ($\mathrm{H_2O}$)
D
Oxygen ($\mathrm{O_2}$) and nitrogen ($\mathrm{N_2}$)
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Begin by understanding the process of cellular respiration. Cellular respiration is a metabolic process where cells convert glucose into energy (ATP) using oxygen. This process occurs in the mitochondria of eukaryotic cells.
Step 2: Identify the reactants required for cellular respiration. The key reactants are glucose (a sugar molecule, $ ext{C}_6 ext{H}_{12} ext{O}_6$) and oxygen ($ ext{O}_2$). These are essential for the chemical reactions that produce energy.
Step 3: Recall the overall chemical equation for cellular respiration: $ ext{C}_6 ext{H}_{12} ext{O}_6 + 6 ext{O}_2
ightarrow 6 ext{CO}_2 + 6 ext{H}_2 ext{O} + ext{Energy (ATP)}$. This equation shows that glucose and oxygen are consumed, while carbon dioxide, water, and energy are produced.
Step 4: Eliminate incorrect options based on the chemical equation. For example, carbon dioxide ($ ext{CO}_2$) and water ($ ext{H}_2 ext{O}$) are products, not reactants. Similarly, nitrogen ($ ext{N}_2$) is not involved in cellular respiration.
Step 5: Conclude that the correct reactants for cellular respiration are glucose and oxygen ($ ext{O}_2$), as they are required to initiate the process and produce energy.