Final answer:
Cellular respiration is the process by which cells break down glucose molecules in the presence of oxygen to produce ATP, along with byproducts of carbon dioxide and water.
Step-by-step explanation:
Cellular respiration releases energy by breaking down glucose molecules. This process is essential for the production of ATP, which cells use as a source of energy. The reactions of cellular respiration can be summarized by the chemical equation:
C6H12O6 + 6O2 → 6CO2 + 6H2O + Energy
Here, glucose (C6H12O6) combines with oxygen (O2) to produce carbon dioxide (CO2), water (H2O), and energy. This energy is then stored in molecules of ATP, providing fuel for numerous cellular processes. While water is a product of cellular respiration, it is not what is broken down to release energy. However, it's worth noting that water plays a vital role in many other biochemical reactions within the body.