During cellular respiration, energy is primarily stored in the form of ATP (adenosine triphosphate). ATP is a molecule that carries energy within cells, functioning as a universal energy currency for cellular processes.
The process of cellular respiration involves breaking down glucose and other organic molecules to produce ATP. This occurs in several stages: glycolysis, the citric acid cycle (Krebs cycle), and the electron transport chain. Through these stages, the chemical energy in glucose is converted into usable energy in the form of ATP.
In addition to ATP, energy can also be stored in other forms such as NADH and FADH2, which are electron carriers that transport electrons to the electron transport chain, ultimately contributing to the synthesis of more ATP.
In summary, ATP is the key molecule for energy storage during cellular respiration, enabling cells to perform various functions necessary for life.