What is the overall equation for cellular respiration?

The overall equation for cellular respiration can be expressed as the conversion of glucose and oxygen into carbon dioxide, water, and energy. This process involves the breakdown of glucose (C6H12O6) in the presence of oxygen (O2) to produce carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O) as waste products. The energy released during this catabolic reaction is stored in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is utilized by cells for various metabolic activities.

The equation highlights the stoichiometry of the reaction, indicating that one molecule of glucose reacts with six molecules of oxygen to yield six molecules of carbon dioxide, six molecules of water, and energy. This illustrates a key aspect of cellular respiration, which not only provides energy for cellular processes but also plays a fundamental role in the recycling of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the environment.

The other options do not accurately represent the correct processes taking place during cellular respiration, which includes the consumption of glucose and oxygen rather than the production of glucose from carbon dioxide and water, reflecting instead the opposite biochemical reaction known as photosynthesis. Therefore, the overall equation provided is the accurate representation of cellular respiration.