What is the process of breaking down food to release energy?

Answer 1

The process of breaking down food to release energy is called cellular respiration. It involves a series of biochemical reactions that occur within cells to convert nutrients from food into adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the energy currency of the cell. This process typically involves three main stages: glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation. Through these stages, the energy stored in food molecules is gradually released and converted into a form that cells can use for various functions.

Answer 2

In the body, large food molecules (eg. carbohydrates, proteins) are broken down by enzymes to form simpler substances.

for example, carbohydrase enzymes break carbohydrates down into simple sugars such as glucose.

glucose is then used in the process of cellular respiration, within the mitochondria. this process releases energy.