The main source of energy for cellular respiration is glucose. Glucose is a simple sugar that is found in many types of foods, including carbohydrates such as grains, fruits, and vegetables. During the process of cellular respiration, glucose is broken down into energy in the form of ATP.
Glucose is a six-carbon molecule that is converted into two three-carbon molecules of pyruvate during the first stage of cellular respiration, which is called glycolysis. Pyruvate is then further broken down in the presence of oxygen during the next two stages of cellular respiration, the citric acid cycle and oxidative phosphorylation, to produce more ATP.
While glucose is the primary source of energy for cellular respiration, other molecules can also be used as energy sources under certain conditions. For example, in the absence of glucose, the body can use stored fats or proteins to produce energy through a process called ketosis. Additionally, some organisms, such as bacteria and archaea, can use alternative energy sources such as sulfur or nitrogen compounds.
In summary, the main source of energy for cellular respiration is glucose, which is broken down into energy in the form of ATP during the process. Other molecules can also be used as energy sources under certain conditions, but glucose is the most common and efficient source of energy for most living organisms.
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