The chemical reaction for respiration can be summarized as:
C6H12O6 + 6O2 -> 6CO2 + 6H2O + energy
This reaction represents the breakdown of glucose (C6H12O6) in the presence of oxygen (O2) to produce carbon dioxide (CO2), water (H2O), and energy in the form of ATP (adenosine triphosphate). This process occurs in the mitochondria of cells and is essential for providing the energy needed for cellular functions.