What is the main product of cellular respiration?

The main product of cellular respiration is ATP (adenosine triphosphate). Cellular respiration is the process by which cells convert the energy stored in glucose into a usable form of energy. This process occurs in several stages: glycolysis, the Krebs cycle, and the electron transport chain.

During these stages, glucose is broken down, and the energy released from this breakdown is used to synthesize ATP from ADP and inorganic phosphate. ATP is often referred to as the "energy currency" of the cell because it provides the energy needed for various cellular processes, including muscle contraction, nerve impulse propagation, and biosynthesis.

While glucose is the primary fuel for cellular respiration and oxygen is essential for aerobic respiration, the ultimate goal is to produce ATP. Carbon dioxide is a byproduct of this process, released when glucose is fully oxidized. Thus, the key aspect of cellular respiration is its role in producing ATP, making it the main product of this essential biological process.