Respiration | Mimi Bebe

Respiration is the fundamental biological process by which organisms convert biochemical energy from nutrients into adenosine triphosphate (ATP), and then release waste products. This vital process underpins cellular function across all known life forms, from the simplest bacteria to complex multicellular organisms. It's not just about breathing air; cellular respiration occurs within cells, breaking down molecules like glucose in the presence of oxygen (aerobic) or in its absence (anaerobic) to generate the energy currency of life. The efficiency and pathways of respiration have profoundly shaped evolution, influencing everything from organismal size to metabolic rates and environmental adaptations.