What is the equation for aerobic respiration?

Aerobic respiration is a crucial biological process that takes place in the presence of oxygen, allowing organisms to convert glucose into usable energy. The correct equation, stating that glucose combines with oxygen to produce carbon dioxide and water, captures the essence of this process. The energy released during this reaction is stored in the form of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), which cells use for various functions.

The equation illustrates that glucose (a carbohydrate) serves as the fuel, while oxygen is necessary for the reaction to occur and is subsequently transformed into energy. The byproducts, carbon dioxide and water, are then expelled from the body, highlighting the efficiency of aerobic respiration in energy production and waste removal.

In contrast, the other choices do not represent aerobic respiration. One focuses on anaerobic respiration, which occurs in the absence of oxygen and produces lactic acid, while another option describes photosynthesis, the process by which plants convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose. The final choice inaccurately suggests that oxygen can convert directly into glucose and energy, failing to outline the essential role of glucose in the reaction. This understanding emphasizes why the correct equation is fundamental to our knowledge of metabolism and energy production in living organisms.