What is the chemical equation for respiration?

The chemical equation for respiration is represented as glucose reacting with oxygen to produce carbon dioxide, water, and energy. This process is essential for all living organisms as it allows them to convert the chemical energy stored in glucose into a form of energy that cells can use, typically in the form of ATP (adenosine triphosphate).

In this equation, glucose (C6H12O6) serves as a primary fuel that provides the energy needed for various cellular processes. Oxygen is necessary because it acts as the final electron acceptor in the electron transport chain, a crucial part of aerobic respiration. The byproducts of this reaction, carbon dioxide and water, are released into the environment. This process highlights the fundamental relationship between respiration and energy production in living organisms, illustrating how they obtain energy from their food.

Therefore, option B accurately reflects the chemical processes involved in cellular respiration, emphasizing its role in energy production.