What is the correct equation for cellular respiration?

The equation for cellular respiration reflects the process by which organisms convert glucose and oxygen into carbon dioxide, water, and energy. The correct formulation shows that glucose (C6H12O6), when combined with oxygen (O2), undergoes a series of chemical reactions to produce carbon dioxide (CO2), water (H2O), and ATP (adenosine triphosphate), which is the energy currency of the cell.

This process is essential for aerobic organisms, as it allows them to derive energy from the food they consume. The overall equation is represented as:

[ \text{Glucose + Oxygen} \rightarrow \text{Carbon Dioxide + Water + Energy} ]

In contrast, the other options provided do not accurately capture the process of cellular respiration. For instance, the first option suggests that carbon dioxide and glucose produce oxygen and water, which misrepresents the reaction flow. The third option implies that oxygen and water create glucose and heat, which is not how respiration works; rather, glucose and oxygen are broken down. The fourth option indicates that carbon dioxide and energy can directly produce glucose, which suggests a misunderstanding of metabolic pathways, as glucose is synthesized during photosynthesis, not cellular respiration.

Understanding the correct equation for