Question
In the presence of insufficient oxygen for aerobic respiration, the body will perform anaerobic respiration, in which glucose, \( \mathrm{C}_{6} \mathrm{H}_{12} \mathrm{O}_{6} \), is converted to lactic acid, \( \mathrm{C}_{3} \mathrm{H}_{6} \mathrm{O}_{3} \). Which of the following describes this reaction? Choose 1 answer: (A) \( \mathrm{C}_{6} \mathrm{H}_{12} \mathrm{O}_{6} \rightarrow \mathrm{C}_{3} \mathrm{H}_{6} \mathrm{O}_{3}+3 \mathrm{CO}_{2} \) (B) \( 2 \mathrm{C}_{6} \mathrm{H}_{12} \mathrm{O}_{6} \rightarrow 2 \mathrm{C}_{3} \mathrm{H}_{6} \mathrm{O}_{3}+6 \mathrm{CO}_{2} \) (C) \( 2 \mathrm{C}_{6} \mathrm{H}_{12} \mathrm{O}_{6} \rightarrow 2 \mathrm{C}_{3} \mathrm{H}_{6} \mathrm{O}_{3}+2 \mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O} \) (D) \( \mathrm{C}_{6} \mathrm{H}_{12} \mathrm{O}_{6} \rightarrow 2 \mathrm{C}_{3} \mathrm{H}_{6} \mathrm{O}_{3} \)
Ask by Daniel Pena. in the United States
Feb 25,2025
Upstudy AI Solution
Tutor-Verified Answer
Answer
The correct reaction is \( \mathrm{C}_{6} \mathrm{H}_{12} \mathrm{O}_{6} \rightarrow 2 \mathrm{C}_{3} \mathrm{H}_{6} \mathrm{O}_{3} \).
Solution
The lactic acid fermentation reaction converts 1 molecule of glucose into 2 molecules of lactic acid. When you check the chemical formulas, glucose is C₆H₁₂O₆ and lactic acid is C₃H₆O₃. In the reaction, the carbon atoms balance as 6 in glucose and 2 × 3 = 6 in lactic acid.
Thus, the correct answer is:
D) C₆H₁₂O₆ → 2 C₃H₆O₃
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Simplify this solution The Deep Dive
When oxygen is scarce, the body shifts gears from aerobic respiration to anaerobic respiration, where glucose is broken down into lactic acid and other less useful byproducts. This process is less efficient in terms of energy production but allows for continued activity in low-oxygen conditions. In this funky dance of energy transformation, each molecule of glucose produces two molecules of lactic acid. So, the correct choice reflects that transformation perfectly—essentially splitting the glucose to fuel the action! The right answer here is (D) \( \mathrm{C}_{6} \mathrm{H}_{12} \mathrm{O}_{6} \rightarrow 2 \mathrm{C}_{3} \mathrm{H}_{6} \mathrm{O}_{3} \).
