Final answer:
The mitochondria, referred to as the "powerhouses" or "energy factories" of the cell, are responsible for the chemical reactions of cellular respiration that generate ATP.
Step-by-step explanation:
The chemical reactions of cellular respiration are performed in the mitochondria of the cell. Mitochondria are known as the "powerhouses" or "energy factories" of the cell, as they generate adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which serves as the cell's main energy-carrying molecule. During this process, oxygen is used and carbon dioxide is produced as a waste product. The complexity and efficiency of cellular respiration allow for the transformation of the chemical energy found in nutrients like glucose into ATP, which is essential for powering the cell's various functions.