What is the main product of cellular respiration?

The main product of cellular respiration is ATP, which stands for adenosine triphosphate. ATP is often referred to as the energy currency of the cell because it provides the energy that fuels various cellular processes. During cellular respiration, glucose is broken down through a series of biochemical pathways, including glycolysis, the Krebs cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation, resulting in the production of ATP.

Although glucose is the starting substrate for cellular respiration, it is not the end product; rather, it is consumed during the process. Oxygen, while essential for the process of aerobic respiration, is used as a final electron acceptor and is not a direct product. Similarly, carbon dioxide is a byproduct of cellular respiration, released as glucose is metabolized, but it does not serve as the main product. Thus, ATP stands out as the crucial molecule produced, highlighting its role in energizing various cellular activities.