What is the main purpose of cellular respiration?

The main purpose of cellular respiration is to convert food into energy. Cellular respiration is a metabolic process that takes place in cells, where nutrients, primarily glucose derived from the food we consume, are broken down to produce adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the energy currency of the cell. This process occurs in several stages, including glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, and the electron transport chain, ultimately leading to the production of ATP, which powers various cellular activities.

While exchanging gases between blood and cells is a crucial process for delivering oxygen and removing carbon dioxide, it is more accurately described as part of the respiratory system's function rather than the purpose of cellular respiration itself. Maintaining body temperature and creating energy for muscle movement are important physiological processes, but they are outcomes or effects related to energy expenditure rather than defining the primary function of cellular respiration.