Final answer:
Cellular respiration converts food energy into ATP, with aerobic respiration requiring oxygen and releasing carbon dioxide and water as wastes.
Step-by-step explanation:
Cellular respiration is a series of chemical reactions that convert the energy in food molecules into energy stored in the molecule ATP (adenosine triphosphate). This process involves Glycolysis, Transformation of Pyruvate, the Krebs Cycle, and Oxidative phosphorylation. Aerobic respiration requires the presence of oxygen and releases water and carbon dioxide as waste products. Essentially, glucose (C6H12O6) and oxygen (O2) react to form carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O), releasing the energy that is then transferred to ATP, providing energy for various cellular activities.