Question

The equations below depict aerobic respiration (oxygen present) of a sugar in the human body & anaerobic respiration (without oxygen present) of a sugar in the human body. Which of the following statements is true about these reactions?

Aerobic cellular respiration of a sugar: C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂ → 6CO₂ + 6H₂O

Anaerobic cellular respiration of a sugar: C₆H₁₂O₆ → 2C₂H₅OH + 2CO₂

		Aerobic cellular respiration of a sugar is a combustion reaction while anaerobic cellular respiration of a sugar is a decomposition reaction.
		Aerobic cellular respiration of a sugar is a double displacement reaction while anaerobic cellular respiration of a sugar is a synthesis reaction.
		Aerobic cellular respiration of a sugar is a single displacement reaction while anaerobic cellular respiration of a sugar is a decomposition reaction.
		Aerobic cellular respiration of a sugar is a decomposition reaction while anaerobic cellular respiration of a sugar is a combustion reaction.

Answer 1

For this problem we should consider first that anaerobic cellular respiration is a decomposition reaction (one component turning into two), so that leaves us with the first and third options.

Now, we know that a combustion reaction is the process of a fuel burning in the presence of oxygen and the release of large amounts of energy, as well as producing carbon dioxide and water. Aerobic respiration fits this description, and can be considered the correct answer. Aerobic cellular respiration can be considered a burning process but only realeasing small amounts of energy distributed in different phases of the reaction.

The first option is the correct option.