What is the primary function of cellular respiration?

The primary function of cellular respiration is to convert glucose and oxygen into energy in the form of ATP (adenosine triphosphate). This biochemical process occurs in the cells of organisms and is essential for providing the energy required for various cellular activities. During cellular respiration, glucose, a product of photosynthesis in plants or an intake from food in animals, is broken down in the presence of oxygen through a series of metabolic pathways. This process not only produces ATP but also generates byproducts such as carbon dioxide and water.

ATP serves as the main energy currency in cells, fueling numerous biological processes, including muscle contractions, nerve impulse propagation, and biosynthesis of macromolecules. Thus, by transforming glucose and oxygen into ATP, cellular respiration directly supports the energy demands of the cell and the overall functioning of living organisms.