Purpose of Cellular Respiration

The process of cellular respiration is essential for the production of ATP, the energy currency of cells. Cellular respiration occurs in several stages, which include glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation.

In glycolysis, glucose is broken down into pyruvate, producing a small amount of ATP directly. The pyruvate then enters the mitochondria, where it is further processed in the citric acid cycle, generating electron carriers that are utilized in the final stage of oxidative phosphorylation.

Which of the following statements describes the overall purpose of cellular respiration?