How is cellular respiration best defined?

Cellular respiration is best defined as the process by which cells convert glucose and oxygen into energy, carbon dioxide, and water. This definition captures the essential purpose of cellular respiration, which is to produce adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the energy currency of the cell. During this biochemical process, glucose is oxidized in a series of metabolic pathways, including glycolysis, the Krebs cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation, ultimately resulting in the release of energy stored in glucose molecules.

Furthermore, this process also produces carbon dioxide and water as byproducts. This definition emphasizes the importance of both energy production and the exchange of gases, which is critical for the survival of aerobic organisms that rely on oxygen for efficient energy production. Understanding this process is foundational in biology, as it directly links to how organisms obtain energy to perform cellular activities.