Biochemistry
Respiration (Cellular)
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The metabolic process by which cells break down glucose and other organic molecules to release energy stored in their chemical bonds, producing ATP, carbon dioxide, and water. The universal conversion process from stored resources to usable work.
Biological Context
Cellular respiration is essentially photosynthesis in reverse, releasing the energy that photosynthesis captured. Aerobic respiration in mitochondria yields 30-32 ATP per glucose molecule (about 34% efficiency). Anaerobic respiration (fermentation) yields only 2 ATP per glucose but works without oxygen. All living cells respire; it's the fundamental process converting stored chemical energy into usable work (ATP).