Which of the following best describes the primary purpose of cellular respiration in eukaryotic cells?

• A. To convert glucose into usable ATP energy
• B. To synthesize glucose from sunlight
• C. To break down ATP into ADP and phosphate
• D. To produce oxygen from carbon dioxide

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of cellular respiration: Cellular respiration is a metabolic process that occurs in eukaryotic cells to convert biochemical energy from nutrients, primarily glucose, into adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is the usable form of energy for cellular activities.
2. Eliminate incorrect options: Review each answer choice and determine whether it aligns with the purpose of cellular respiration. For example, synthesizing glucose from sunlight is a process related to photosynthesis, not cellular respiration.
3. Focus on ATP production: Cellular respiration involves breaking down glucose molecules through glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation to produce ATP. This is the primary purpose of the process.
4. Clarify the role of oxygen: Oxygen is used as the final electron acceptor in the electron transport chain during cellular respiration, but the process does not produce oxygen; it consumes oxygen and releases carbon dioxide as a byproduct.
5. Select the correct answer: Based on the understanding of cellular respiration, the correct answer is the option that describes converting glucose into usable ATP energy.