Chapter 6, Problem 1CP

Summary Introduction

To determine: The overall reaction for respiration and the principal function of this process.

Introduction: Cellular respiration is one of the key mechanisms that take place in the cells of organisms for the purpose of cellular activity and excretion of waste products. It is of two types, namely, aerobic and anaerobic respiration.

Explanation of Solution

The primary steps for respiration are as follows:

• The complete oxidation of sugar or other organic molecules to carbon dioxide and water.
• It is the hydrolysis of these storage molecules to monosaccharides.

Glucose is considered as an energy source under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions. The overall reaction for the complete oxidation of glucose is given below:

${\text{C}}_{\text{6}}{\text{H}}_{\text{12}}{\text{O}}_{\text{6}}\text{+}{\text{6O}}_{\text{2}}\to {\text{6CO}}_{\text{2}}\text{+}{\text{6H}}_{\text{2}}\text{O+}\text{Energy}$

The overall function of cellular respiration is to provide energy to the cells. This energy is required by the cells to perform their vital life processes.