Cellular respiration is the process that cells use to break down glucose to get energy. It's like the opposite of photosynthesis! During this process, cells break down food molecules like glucose and release the energy stored in their chemical bonds. This energy is then used to make ATP (adenosine triphosphate), which cells use for all their activities. Oxygen is needed for this process, and carbon dioxide is released as a waste product.
C6H12O6 + 6O2 → 6CO2 + 6H2O + Energy (ATP)
This process happens in all living things, from the smallest bacteria to the largest animals, including us!