Which equation represents the process of respiration?

The correct choice accurately represents the process of cellular respiration, which is fundamental in both plants and animals. In this process, glucose (C6H12O6) reacts with oxygen (O2) to produce energy, carbon dioxide (CO2), and water (H2O).

The equation captures the essence of cellular respiration: it starts with glucose and oxygen—key reactants—and produces energy, which cells use for metabolic processes, along with by-products that are released back into the environment. This is a catabolic reaction where organic molecules are broken down, contrasting the photosynthesis equation, where carbon dioxide and water are converted into glucose and oxygen.

Understanding this equation is vital because it illustrates how organisms transform energy from food into a usable form, highlighting the interconnectedness of biological systems. Additionally, recognizing the products of respiration, such as carbon dioxide and water, reflects on natural cycles, including the carbon cycle, making this an integral part of environmental studies.