Question

State whether true or false:
A redox reaction takes place during cellular respiration.

Hint:

Redox reactions are essential in both biological processes, like cellular respiration, and industrial processes, such as combustion and corrosion.

Answer 1

The statement is True. Cellular respiration is a biochemical process that occurs in living cells to convert biochemical energy from nutrients into adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is used as a source of chemical energy. During this process, a redox reaction takes place:
Glucose (C$_6$H$_{12}$O$_6$) is oxidized, meaning it loses electrons and is converted into carbon dioxide (CO$_2$).
Oxygen (O$_2$) is reduced, meaning it gains electrons and is converted into water (H$_2$O).
The complete redox reaction for cellular respiration is represented as: \[ \text{C}_6\text{H}_{12}\text{O}_6 + 6\text{O}_2 \rightarrow 6\text{CO}_2 + 6\text{H}_2\text{O} + \text{energy (ATP)} \] This illustrates both oxidation (glucose losing electrons) and reduction (oxygen gaining electrons), thus confirming that cellular respiration involves a redox reaction.