What is the main product of cellular respiration?

The main product of cellular respiration is ATP (adenosine triphosphate). This molecule serves as the primary energy currency of the cell, providing the energy needed for various biological processes. During cellular respiration, glucose is broken down in the presence of oxygen, leading to the production of ATP, carbon dioxide, and water. The process involves several stages: glycolysis, the Krebs cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation (electron transport chain).

While glucose is utilized as the starting substrate in the process, and carbon dioxide is one of the waste products generated, neither of these fulfills the role of the main product. Instead, ATP is the key molecule that cells use to perform work, such as muscle contraction, active transport, and biosynthesis. Thus, the focus on ATP acknowledges its critical role in energy transfer and utilization within the cell, making it the primary product of cellular respiration.