What is the primary purpose of cellular respiration?

The primary purpose of cellular respiration is to use energy from food to produce ATP, which is the main energy currency of the cell. During cellular respiration, glucose and other organic molecules are broken down in a series of chemical reactions, releasing energy. This energy is captured in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which cells use to power various functions, including muscle contraction, nerve impulse propagation, and biosynthesis.

In this process, glucose is oxidized, and energy is released in a controlled manner rather than all at once, allowing for efficient use of that energy. While the production of carbon dioxide is a byproduct of cellular respiration and can play a significant role in other biological processes, it is not the primary goal of the process. Similarly, the storage of energy in glucose and the synthesis of proteins are different biological functions that do not directly reflect the main purpose of cellular respiration. Thus, option B accurately captures the central aim of this metabolic pathway.