Cellular respiration is the process by which cells convert the food we eat into energy. This energy is essential for all cellular activities, allowing organisms to grow, move, and function. The process mainly occurs in the mitochondria, often referred to as the "powerhouse" of the cell. During cellular respiration, glucose, a type of sugar, is broken down with the help of oxygen to produce energy, carbon dioxide, and water. There are three main stages of cellular respiration: glycolysis, the Krebs cycle, and the electron transport chain. Each stage plays a crucial role in extracting energy from glucose. The energy produced is stored in a molecule called ATP, which cells use to power various functions, making cellular respiration vital for life.