Chapter 8.3, Problem 4MI

Summary Introduction

To rephrase:

The function of cellular respiration and write the equation that describes it.

Introduction: In living organisms, chemical energy is stored in organic compounds and this energy is converted to other forms of energy. All living organisms need energy to carry out various biological functions. Almost all the energy in living organisms comes from the Sun. Energy flows from autotrophs to heterotrophs.

Answer to Problem 4MI

Function: Organisms harvest energy from the carbon compounds they ingest during a process called cellular respiration. The energy is produced in the form of ATP.

Equation: C6H12O6 + 6O2 → 6CO2 + 6H2O + energy

Explanation of Solution

All the chemical reactions in a cell are together called metabolism. There are two metabolic pathways; anabolic pathway and the catabolic pathway. Cellular respiration is the catabolic pathway in which organic molecules are broken down to release energy for use by the cell. During this process food that is ingested by the organism is broken down by using oxygen resulting in the release of carbon dioxide and water. This produces energy in the form of ATP.

Cellular respiration occurs in two parts; glycolysis and aerobic respiration. Glycolysis is an anaerobic process. Aerobic respiration includes Krebs cycle and electron transport.

Cellular respiration can be represented by the following equation:

C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂ → 6CO₂ + 6H₂O + energy