Which of the following is an example of cellular respiration?

The breakdown of glucose to produce ATP is a prime example of cellular respiration, a metabolic process that occurs in the cells of organisms. During cellular respiration, glucose, a simple sugar, is converted into usable energy in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), through a series of biochemical reactions. This process typically occurs in three main stages: glycolysis, the citric acid cycle (Krebs cycle), and oxidative phosphorylation. It is crucial for providing the energy needed for cellular functions and supporting growth, repair, and reproduction in living organisms.

The other options pertain to different biological processes. For instance, photosynthesis in plants involves converting sunlight into chemical energy stored in glucose, which is the opposite of cellular respiration. The formation of glucose from carbon dioxide and oxygen is also a process associated with photosynthesis, where plants synthesize carbohydrates. Lastly, the conversion of sunlight to energy refers to the initial step of photosynthesis, which captures solar energy but does not involve the breakdown of glucose or the production of ATP through cellular respiration. Thus, the focus on the breakdown of glucose highlights the essential role of cellular respiration in energy production.