Why do organisms need to obtain energy via cellular respiration?

to break down ATP
to grow and reproduce
to perform glycolysis
to photosynthesize

3 answers

Organisms need to obtain energy via cellular respiration for several reasons:

1. ATP (adenosine triphosphate) is the energy currency of cells. Cellular respiration is necessary to break down glucose and convert it into ATP molecules. ATP provides the energy required for all cellular processes and activities.

2. Growth and reproduction require energy. Both processes involve numerous biochemical reactions that require ATP as the energy source. Without sufficient energy, organisms cannot grow and reproduce effectively.

3. Glycolysis, which is the initial step of cellular respiration, breaks down glucose molecules into smaller units, producing ATP and other compounds. This energy-generating process is essential for organisms to sustain their metabolic activities.

4. Photosynthesis is a separate process that occurs in plants, algae, and some bacteria, not in all organisms. Photosynthesis utilizes sunlight to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen, providing energy and organic compounds for the organism. However, cellular respiration is still essential as it breaks down the glucose produced during photosynthesis into ATP, allowing cells to utilize the stored energy.
I need one answer
Organisms need to obtain energy via cellular respiration to break down ATP.