What Is the Equation for Cellular Respiration?

Cellular respiration is the process by which cells convert glucose and oxygen to carbon dioxide and water. It's linked to "regular" respiration, or breathing, in that breathing is how we take in the oxygen gas that powers the reaction at the cellular level. Most organisms perform cellular respiration in some form to make energy.

Onion cells

The Reaction

One glucose molecule plus six molecules of oxygen gas are transformed into six carbon dioxide molecules plus six water molecules. Chemical energy is released by the reaction.

The Equation

In scientific notation, the reaction is written:

C6H12O6 + 6 O2 --> 6 CO2 + 6 H2O + 38 ATP

Effects

Cellular respiration allows cells to convert food energy (glucose) into chemical energy in the form of ATP, or adenosine triphosphate.

Significance

ATP is the form of chemical energy cells require to perform work. ATP allows cells to grow, reproduce and make molecules.

Considerations

Cellular respiration is the opposite reaction to photosynthesis, in which plants produce oxygen and glucose. Because oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged during these two reactions, photosynthesis and cellular respiration are part of the processes that balance atmospheric concentrations of these gases.

References

• Biology: Concepts and Connections; Neil A. Campbell; 2009
• Respiration
• Gas Exchange