The process that involves the breaking down of glucose to produce energy is called cellular respiration. This metabolic pathway enables cells to convert glucose and oxygen into adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which serves as the primary energy currency of the cell. Cellular respiration consists of several stages, including glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation. This process is crucial for providing the energy required for various cellular activities, sustaining life in aerobic organisms.