Which equation represents aerobic cellular respiration?

The equation representing aerobic cellular respiration is C6H12O6 + 6O2 —-> 6H2O + 6CO2. This equation illustrates how glucose (C6H12O6) and oxygen (O2) are utilized by cells to produce carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O), alongside the release of energy in the form of ATP.

In aerobic cellular respiration, glucose serves as the primary fuel source, and oxygen is crucial for the complete oxidation of glucose. The process occurs in several stages, including glycolysis, the Krebs cycle, and the electron transport chain, ultimately leading to the production of ATP, which powers many cellular functions. The byproducts, water and carbon dioxide, are the result of this metabolic pathway, highlighting the transformation and release of energy.

The other choices do not represent aerobic cellular respiration. The second option describes photosynthesis, where carbon dioxide and water are converted into glucose and oxygen. The third choice only depicts the process of fermentation or anaerobic respiration, not involving oxygen, while the fourth choice, instead of presenting a balanced chemical equation, focuses too broadly on the production of ATP and heat without detailing the reactants and products involved in aerobic respiration.