Respiration converts potential or stored energy of food into

Options

A. Chemical energy
B. Mechanical energy
C. Kinetic energy
D. All forms of energy

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Respiration**: Respiration is a biochemical process where the stored energy in food is released and converted into usable energy. This process involves breaking down glucose and other substrates in the presence of oxygen.

2. **Energy Conversion**: The potential energy stored in food is primarily in the form of calories. During respiration, these calories are burned (oxidized) in the presence of oxygen, resulting in the production of carbon dioxide, water, and energy.

3. **Formation of ATP**: The energy released during respiration is captured in the form of ATP (adenosine triphosphate). ATP is the primary energy currency of the cell and is used for various biological processes.

4. **Processes Involved**:
- **Glycolysis**: The first step in respiration where glucose is broken down into pyruvate.
- **Krebs Cycle**: The pyruvate is further oxidized to produce NADH and FADH2, which are essential for the next step.
- **Electron Transport Chain**: This is the final step where NADH and FADH2 donate electrons, leading to the production of a significant amount of ATP.

5. **Conclusion**: The end product of respiration is ATP, which represents the conversion of potential energy from food into chemical energy. Therefore, the correct answer to the question is that respiration converts potential or stored energy of food into **chemical energy**.

**Final Answer**: Option 1 - Chemical Energy.

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