Which formula for cellular respiration is correct?

Options

A. 1 glucose + `6O_(2)=6CO_(2)+6H_(2)O+1ATP`
B. 1 glucose + `1O_(2)=1CO_(2)+1H_(2)O+36ATP`
C. 1 glucose + `6O_(2)=6CO_(2)+6H_(2)O+36ATP`
D. 1 glucose - `6CO_(2)+6H_(2)O+36ATP`

Answer

To determine the correct formula for cellular respiration, let's analyze the options provided step by step.

### Step 1: Understanding Cellular Respiration
Cellular respiration is the process by which cells convert glucose and oxygen into energy (ATP), carbon dioxide, and water. The general equation for cellular respiration can be summarized as follows:

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

### Step 2: Analyzing Each Option
1. **Option 1**:
\[ 1 \text{ glucose} + 6 \text{ oxygen} \rightarrow 6 \text{ carbon dioxide} + 1 \text{ H}_2\text{O} + 1 \text{ ATP} \]
- This option is incorrect because it states that only 1 ATP is produced, while in reality, 36 ATP molecules are produced during cellular respiration.

2. **Option 2**:
\[ 1 \text{ glucose} + 1 \text{ oxygen} \rightarrow 1 \text{ carbon dioxide} + 1 \text{ H}_2\text{O} + 36 \text{ ATP} \]
- This option is also incorrect because it misrepresents the number of oxygen and carbon dioxide molecules involved in the reaction.

3. **Option 3**:
\[ 1 \text{ glucose} + 6 \text{ oxygen} \rightarrow 6 \text{ carbon dioxide} + 6 \text{ H}_2\text{O} + 36 \text{ ATP} \]
- This option is correct. It accurately reflects that one molecule of glucose reacts with six molecules of oxygen to produce six molecules of carbon dioxide, six molecules of water, and a total of 36 ATP.

4. **Option 4**:
\[ 1 \text{ glucose} - 6 \text{ carbon dioxide} + 6 \text{ H}_2\text{O} + 36 \text{ ATP} \]
- This option is incorrect as it does not represent the process of cellular respiration correctly.

### Step 3: Conclusion
Based on the analysis above, the correct formula for cellular respiration is represented by **Option 3**:

\[ 1 \text{ glucose} + 6 \text{ oxygen} \rightarrow 6 \text{ carbon dioxide} + 6 \text{ H}_2\text{O} + 36 \text{ ATP} \]