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How does cellular respiration work?

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Quick answer

Cellular respiration is how cells turn food into usable energy. They break down glucose using oxygen, releasing energy that's stored in a molecule called ATP, with carbon dioxide and water as byproducts — essentially the reverse of photosynthesis. Cells break down glucose to release energy.

Step by step

  1. Cells break down glucose to release energy.
  2. Oxygen is used; CO2 and water are released.
  3. Energy is stored in ATP, the cell's energy currency.
  4. Most of it happens in the mitochondria.

People also ask

How does cellular respiration work?
Cells break down glucose with oxygen to release energy stored as ATP, producing CO2 and water.
Where does cellular respiration happen?
Mostly in the mitochondria, often called the cell's powerhouses.
How is it related to photosynthesis?
It's roughly the reverse: photosynthesis stores energy in glucose; respiration releases it.