How is cellular respiration defined?

Cellular respiration is defined as a process through which cells convert glucose, a simple sugar, into usable energy in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). This process involves a series of metabolic reactions that facilitate the breakdown of glucose, allowing for the release of energy stored in its chemical bonds. This energy is essential for various cellular activities, including growth, repair, and maintenance of cell functions.

The significance of this process lies in its role in providing energy to support life. Using glucose as the primary substrate, cellular respiration can take place aerobically (in the presence of oxygen) or anaerobically (without oxygen), leading to different energy yields and byproducts, such as carbon dioxide and water in aerobic respiration.

In contrast, the other choices do not accurately describe cellular respiration. The conversion of light energy into glucose relates to photosynthesis, which is the process plants use to produce their own food. Additionally, synthesizing proteins involves a different set of biological processes known as translation, which is distinct from the energy production function of cellular respiration.