Respiration occurs in various parts of living organisms, specifically in the cells. In animals and humans, respiration primarily takes place in the mitochondria, which are known as the powerhouses of the cell. This organelle is responsible for producing energy in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) through a series of biochemical processes.
In plants, respiration occurs in the mitochondria as well, but it’s complemented by a process called photosynthesis that takes place in the chloroplasts. While photosynthesis requires sunlight to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen, respiration uses that glucose to release energy needed for various cellular activities.
In simple terms, no matter the organism, respiration is a crucial metabolic process that converts food into usable energy, and it’s primarily a cellular activity that happens inside the mitochondria.