Question

How many moles of \(\mathrm{CO}_{2}\) are produced by the complete catabolism of \(1 \mathrm{~mol}\) of sucrose?

Short answer

12 moles of \(CO_2\) are produced.

Step-by-step solution

Equation of Catabolism

The complete catabolism of sucrose, which is sugar, releases carbon dioxide. The balanced chemical equation for this reaction is: \[C_{12}H_{22}O_{11} + 12O_{2} \rightarrow 12CO_{2} + 11H_{2}O\] This equation shows that 1 mole of sucrose reacts with oxygen to produce carbon dioxide and water.

Determine CO2 Production

According to the balanced equation, 1 mole of sucrose produces 12 moles of \(CO_2\). This means for every complete reaction of sucrose, 12 moles of carbon dioxide are released.

Key concepts

Catabolism

Catabolism is a type of metabolic process that breaks down large molecules into smaller ones. This process releases energy by dismantling complex organic compounds into simpler substances like carbon dioxide and water. It's vital for cellular respiration, where nutrients like carbohydrates are converted into usable energy.

In the context of sucrose, catabolism involves breaking down this complex sugar into smaller molecules. This process results in the production of energy stored in the form of ATP, which cells use to perform various functions. During the catabolism of sucrose, carbon dioxide is a key byproduct, alongside water. The energy released through this process is crucial for maintaining cellular functions and supporting the overall metabolism in living organisms.

By understanding catabolism, we can grasp why energy production is linked to the breakdown of nutrients like sugars. It's the underlying mechanism that powers life, driving everything from basic cellular processes to complex biological systems.

Sucrose

Sucrose is a disaccharide, made of two simpler sugar molecules: glucose and fructose. It is commonly found in plants and is a primary component of table sugar. Its formula is expressed as \(C_{12}H_{22}O_{11}\).

In biological systems, sucrose serves as an essential energy source. During its catabolism, it undergoes enzymatic reactions to break down into glucose and fructose, which are further utilized in cellular respiration. This breakdown ultimately produces carbon dioxide, water, and ATP in the complete reaction.

The digestion of sucrose begins in the mouth with the enzyme sucrase, which facilitates its breakdown throughout the digestive tract. Once absorbed, its constituent sugars can be used in the body for immediate energy, stored for later use, or converted into other compounds necessary for various bodily functions. Understanding sucrose's role in energy production highlights its importance in both diet and metabolism.

Carbon Dioxide

Carbon dioxide (CO₂) is a crucial gas in many biochemical processes, particularly cellular respiration. It is a colorless, odorless gas formed as a byproduct when carbon-containing compounds are catabolized. In the catabolism of sucrose, as shown in the chemical equation, 1 mole of sucrose leads to the production of 12 moles of CO₂.

CO₂ plays a vital role in the respiratory cycle of organisms. In humans and animals, it is expelled through the lungs after being transported in the blood from tissue cells. This gas is essential in the carbon cycle as it returns nutrients to the soil and atmosphere.

Additionally, CO₂ is a significant player in regulating Earth's climate, as it is one of the greenhouse gases responsible for trapping heat in the atmosphere. In the context of metabolism, the release of carbon dioxide indicates the completion of an energy-releasing reaction, important for sustaining life processes.