Which type of cells perform cellular respiration?

Cellular respiration is a vital metabolic process that occurs in both plant and animal cells, enabling them to convert nutrients into energy. In this process, cells utilize glucose and oxygen to produce ATP (adenosine triphosphate), which is the energy currency of the cell, along with carbon dioxide and water as byproducts.

Plant cells, while also capable of photosynthesis, rely on cellular respiration, especially at night when photosynthesis cannot occur. This process allows them to use the sugar produced during daylight hours to meet their energy needs. Animal cells do not perform photosynthesis, so they depend entirely on cellular respiration to derive energy from the food they consume.

Since both of these cell types, which belong to eukaryotic organisms, engage in cellular respiration, the selection indicating that both plants and animals are involved is correct. Prokaryotic cells, such as bacteria, also perform cellular respiration but have different mechanisms, thus adding complexity to the classification of cells that utilize this essential biological process.