What is the process that provides energy for organisms by breaking down glucose and oxygen?

The process that provides energy for organisms by breaking down glucose and oxygen is cellular respiration. During cellular respiration, cells convert glucose, a simple sugar, into energy in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) while using oxygen in the process. This multi-step biochemical pathway typically occurs in the mitochondria of eukaryotic cells. The overall reaction involves the oxidation of glucose and the reduction of oxygen, resulting in the release of carbon dioxide and water as byproducts.

The significance of cellular respiration lies in its ability to produce the ATP needed for various cellular activities such as growth, repair, and maintenance of cellular functions. This process is crucial for most life forms, as it allows organisms to harness the energy stored in organic molecules.

In contrast, photosynthesis is the process used by plants and some other organisms to convert light energy into chemical energy stored in glucose, utilizing carbon dioxide and water while releasing oxygen. Fermentation is an alternative pathway used in anaerobic conditions, where organisms convert glucose to energy without the use of oxygen, resulting in different byproducts such as ethanol or lactic acid. Digestion refers to the breakdown of food into smaller components that the body can absorb and utilize, and does not directly produce cellular energy.