A glucose molecule is really important because it helps provide energy for our cells. When our cells need energy, they go through a process called cellular respiration, where glucose is broken down in a series of steps to release that energy.
The process starts in the cytoplasm of the cell with a step called glycolysis. During glycolysis, one glucose molecule is turned into two smaller molecules called pyruvate. This step also produces a little bit of ATP, which is like the energy money that our cells use.
Once the pyruvate is made, it moves into the mitochondria, which is often referred to as the powerhouse of the cell. Inside the mitochondria, the pyruvate is further broken down in a process called the Krebs cycle. This step produces more ATP and also releases carbon dioxide as a waste product.
Overall, the main things produced from cellular respiration are carbon dioxide, water, and ATP. The ATP is what the cell uses to do many different jobs, like powering our muscles or keeping our organs working.