In the process of cellular respiration, the primary objective is to convert the energy stored in the bonds of glucose into a form of energy that cells can use, which is ATP (adenosine triphosphate).
Let's break down what happens step-by-step:
1. Glucose Breakdown:
Glucose (C_6H_12O_6) is a sugar molecule that is rich in stored chemical energy. Through cellular respiration, glucose undergoes a series of metabolic pathways, including glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, and the electron transport chain.
2. Combination with Oxygen:
During cellular respiration, glucose combines with oxygen (O_2) to facilitate its breakdown. This occurs in a controlled environment within the cell, primarily in the mitochondria.
3. Production of Carbon Dioxide and Water:
As the glucose molecule breaks down, carbon atoms from glucose combine with oxygen to form carbon dioxide (CO_2), and hydrogen atoms from glucose combine with oxygen to form water (H_2O).
4. Energy Transfer to ATP:
The energy that was stored in the chemical bonds of glucose is not directly transferred to the carbon dioxide or water produced. Instead, it is transferred through a series of biochemical reactions to produce ATP. ATP molecules store energy in their high-energy phosphate bonds, which cells then use to perform various functions such as synthesis of molecules, muscle contraction, and active transport across cell membranes.
Therefore, during cellular respiration, the energy in the bonds of glucose is ultimately transferred to ATP.
Conclusively, the correct answer is:
The energy is transferred to ATP.
