Cellular respiration primarily occurs in the mitochondria of eukaryotic cells. The mitochondria are often referred to as the “powerhouses” of the cell because they generate adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is the energy currency of the cell.
The process of cellular respiration involves several stages: glycolysis, the citric acid cycle (also known as the Krebs cycle), and oxidative phosphorylation. While glycolysis takes place in the cytoplasm, the citric acid cycle and oxidative phosphorylation occur within the mitochondria.
During these processes, glucose is broken down in the presence of oxygen to produce ATP, carbon dioxide, and water. This transformation is crucial for providing the necessary energy for various cellular functions.