What is represented by this formula: 6CO₂ + 6H₂O → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂

Question

What is represented by this formula: 6CO₂ + 6H₂O → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂?  
A. Glycolysis  
B. Cellular respiration  
C. Photosynthesis  
D. Electronic transport

Accepted Answer

Correct Answer: (C)Photosynthesis. 
Rationale: Photosynthesis is represented by the formula 6CO₂ + 6H₂O → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂.This equation describes the biological process by which green plants, algae, and some bacteria use light energy to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen. The glucose produced serves as a source of chemical energy and building material for the organism, while oxygen is released as a by-product. This process takes place in the chloroplasts and is the foundation of most food chains on Earth.A) GlycolysisGlycolysis is a metabolic pathway involved in cellular respiration, not photosynthesis. It breaks down glucose into two molecules of pyruvate to release energy in the form of ATP and NADH. The process starts with glucose and does not produce it. Since the given equation shows glucose being formed from carbon dioxide and water, it cannot represent glycolysis.B) Cellular respirationCellular respiration is essentially the reverse of the equation given. In respiration, glucose reacts with oxygen to form carbon dioxide, water, and energy (ATP). The equation for respiration is:C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂ → 6CO₂ + 6H₂O + ATP.Because the question’s formula shows glucose being synthesized rather than broken down, this option is incorrect.C) PhotosynthesisPhotosynthesis uses carbon dioxide and water, along with light energy, to synthesize glucose and release oxygen. The equation provided exactly matches the overall balanced chemical equation for this process. It represents the conversion of light energy into stored chemical energy within glucose molecules. This makes photosynthesis the correct answer.D) Electronic transportThe electron transport chain is a component of both cellular respiration and photosynthesis, but it is only one stage within those processes. It does not represent the full conversion of carbon dioxide and water into glucose. Therefore, this option does not correspond to the given equation.ConclusionThe formula 6CO₂ + 6H₂O → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂ describes the synthesis of glucose using carbon dioxide, water, and light energy, with oxygen released as a by-product. This is the defining chemical reaction of photosynthesis. Therefore, the correct answer is C) Photosynthesis.

What is represented by this formula: 6CO₂ + 6H₂O → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂

A
Glycolysis

B
Cellular respiration

C
Photosynthesis

D
Electronic transport

Photosynthesis is represented by the formula 6CO₂ + 6H₂O → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂.

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What is represented by this formula: 6CO₂ + 6H₂O → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂

A Glycolysis B Cellular respiration C Photosynthesis D Electronic transport

Photosynthesis is represented by the formula 6CO₂ + 6H₂O → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂.

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Related Questions

A
Glycolysis

B
Cellular respiration

C
Photosynthesis

D
Electronic transport