The process that releases energy by breaking down glucose and other food molecules in the presence of oxygen is called cellular respiration.
Cellular respiration is a multi-step metabolic pathway that occurs in the cells of living organisms. It primarily takes place in the mitochondria, the powerhouse of the cell. The overall goal of this process is to convert biochemical energy from nutrients into adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which cells use as a primary energy currency.
In a typical aerobic environment, glucose (C6H12O6) is consumed alongside oxygen (O2). During cellular respiration, glucose undergoes a series of chemical reactions, starting with glycolysis, followed by the Krebs cycle, and concluded with the electron transport chain. Throughout these stages, electrons are transferred between various molecules, leading to the production of ATP and byproducts such as carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O).
In summary, cellular respiration is essential for energy production in cells, enabling them to perform various functions necessary for life.