Which process involves the breakdown of glucose to produce energy in cells?

The process that involves the breakdown of glucose to produce energy in cells is respiration. This process occurs in both aerobic and anaerobic conditions, wherein glucose is metabolized to generate adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which serves as the primary energy currency for cellular activities. In aerobic respiration, glucose reacts with oxygen to produce carbon dioxide, water, and a significant amount of ATP. Conversely, in anaerobic conditions, such as during fermentation, glucose is broken down in the absence of oxygen, resulting in lower ATP production. While photosynthesis primarily focuses on harnessing light energy to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose, transpiration pertains to the movement of water from plant roots to the atmosphere and does not involve energy production from glucose. Understanding these distinctions clarifies why respiration is the correct process associated with the breakdown of glucose for energy.