---
title: "Cellular Respiration — AP Enviro Definition & Exam Guide"
description: "Cellular respiration is how organisms break down glucose for energy and release CO2 back to the atmosphere, making it a key player in the carbon cycle and energy flow."
canonical: "https://fiveable.me/ap-enviro/key-terms/cellular-respiration"
type: "key-term"
subject: "AP Environmental Science"
---

# Cellular Respiration — AP Enviro Definition & Exam Guide

## Definition

Cellular respiration is the process by which cells convert glucose (sugar) into energy (ATP) through a series of chemical reactions. It occurs in both plants and animals and is essential for their survival.

## Related Study Guides

- [1.4 The Carbon Cycle](/ap-enviro/unit-1/carbon-cycle/study-guide/DgNVtqUbzmk6j54jVo7q)
- [1.10 Energy Flow and the 10% Rule](/ap-enviro/unit-1/energy-flow-10-percent-rule/study-guide/TRmVEr5JN1FSSPwzXICg)
- [9.3 The Greenhouse Effect](/ap-enviro/unit-9/greenhouse-effect/study-guide/lKgyKz5IQycpdIgNttSN)

## Review

### Related Terms

- [Photosynthesis](/ap-enviro/key-terms/photosynthesis): The process by which plants convert sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water into glucose (sugar) and oxygen.
- [Aerobic Respiration](/ap-enviro/key-terms/aerobic-respiration): Cellular respiration that requires oxygen to produce ATP efficiently.
- Anaerobic Respiration: Cellular respiration that occurs in the absence of oxygen and produces less ATP compared to aerobic respiration.