Cellular respiration is a critical process for energy production in living organisms. It involves breaking down glucose and other organic molecules to release energy, primarily in the form of ATP (adenosine triphosphate). This process occurs in several stages: glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, and the electron transport chain. During cellular respiration, oxygen is often used in aerobic conditions, resulting in efficient ATP production. In contrast, anaerobic respiration occurs without oxygen, yielding less energy. Overall, cellular respiration is essential for maintaining the cell's energy needs and supporting metabolic functions.