Which of the following explains the conservation of mass during cellular respiration? (4 points) a The total number of atoms when carbon dioxide and oxygen react stays the same when glucose and water are produced. b The total number of atoms when water and oxygen react stays the same when glucose and water are produced. c The total number of atoms when carbon dioxide and water react stays the same when glucose and oxygen are produced. d The total number of atoms when glucose and oxygen react stays the same when carbon dioxide and water are produced.

D- The total number of atoms when glucose and oxygen react stays the same when carbon dioxide and water are produced.

Explanation:

The conservation of mass during cellular respiration can be explained by the fact that after cellular respiration which occurs due to the oxidation of glucose to produce carbon dioxide and water, the number of atoms on the right hand side (RHS) of the reaction remain same as of left hand side (LHS) of the reaction.

The balanced chemical equation is mentioned as under:

C₆H₁₂O₆  +     6 O₂         ->     6 CO₂       +      6H₂O    +     Energy.

(Glucose)     (Oxygen)          (Carbon            (Water)

                                              dioxide)

If we will see carefully, the number of atoms of each element on RHS & LHS of the equation are same i.e. there are 6 atoms of C, 18 atoms of O and 12 atoms of H on both the sides.