Which organelle is responsible for cellular respiration?

The mitochondria are known as the powerhouses of the cell due to their crucial role in cellular respiration, a process that converts glucose and oxygen into energy in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). This process occurs in several stages, including glycolysis, the citric acid cycle (also known as the Krebs cycle), and oxidative phosphorylation, all of which take place within various compartments of the mitochondria.

During cellular respiration, the breakdown of glucose ultimately leads to the production of ATP, along with byproducts such as carbon dioxide and water. The inner membrane of the mitochondria contains the electron transport chain, which is essential for the final steps of ATP production. Hence, the mitochondria are integral to energy metabolism in eukaryotic cells, making them the key organelle responsible for cellular respiration.