Biology Sci-Keys Module Yr 2 - 2010
3D Model
3D Model of Cellular Respiration
The process through which energy is converted from the biochemical energy of foods to ATP is called
cellular respiration. Most of this reaction occurs in the mitochondria, also nicknamed the “powerhouse”
of the cell (Wikipedia and Glencoe Biology, 2007, page 228). The chemical equation for cellular
respiration is opposite to the equation for photosynthesis; however, the actual reactions are very
different, using different organelles and requiring different enzymes.
This activity is a hands-on model of the simplest version of the cellular respiration equation and
demonstrates the conservation of matter (atoms). The reverse reaction may be used to demonstrate the
simplest version of the photosynthesis equation.
MC.3.B.5 Compare and contrast cellular respiration and photosynthesis as energy conversion pathways.
Objectives: Students will



Construct models of the reactants of cellular respiration.
Break those models apart and construct as many models of the products of cellular respiration
as possible
Explain how the reactants and products demonstrate the conservation of matter.
Materials:

Molecular model kit that contains at least
 6 Carbon atoms-Black
 12 Hydrogen atoms-White
 18 Oxygen atoms-Blue
 Connectors “bonds” for the atoms-White
 Student handouts
Procedure: Build the reactants of the cellular respiration equation.
o


Build 6 diatomic molecules of oxygen.
o Build a glucose molecule.
Show the rearrangement of atoms in cellular respiration by disassembling the reactants and
creating the products.
o Construct as many CO2 and H2O molecules as possible using the materials from the
reactants.
Remember:
o Carbon forms 4 bonds (Carbon is black in this kit)
o Oxygen forms 2 bonds (Oxygen is blue in this kit)
o Hydrogen forms 1 bond (Hydrogen is white in this kit)
o Bonds are white also
Biology Sci-Keys Module Yr 2 - 2010
3D Model
3D Model of Cellular Respiration Student Handout
1.
Write the simple equation for cellular respiration.
2.
Using the molecular kit provided, create the reactants of cellular respiration. Below are models of
glucose to assist you. You may also use your textbook.
http://home.hia.no/~stephens/glucose.gif
http://library.thinkquest.org/11226/image/glucose.jpg
3.
Take the reactants apart and create the products of cellular respiration. Make as many products as
possible with the atoms you have.
4.
How many glucose molecules were in the reactants?
5.
How many O2 molecules were in the reactants?
6.
How many H2O molecules are in the products?
7.
How many CO2 molecules are in the products?
8.
How does this reaction demonstrate the conservation of matter?
9.
How is energy involved in this reaction?
10. Complete a graphic organizer if assigned.