why do organisms need to obtain energy via cellular respiration
Organisms need to obtain energy via cellular respiration because it is the process by which they convert nutrients, typically glucose, into usable energy in the form of ATP (adenosine triphosphate). ATP is the primary energy currency in living cells and is essential for carrying out various cellular processes, including metabolism, growth, reproduction, and movement.
Cellular respiration also allows organisms to efficiently extract energy from nutrients, releasing it in a controlled manner. This process occurs in the mitochondria of eukaryotic cells and involves a series of biochemical reactions, including glycolysis, the Krebs cycle (or citric acid cycle), and oxidative phosphorylation.
Without cellular respiration, organisms would not be able to generate sufficient energy to support their life processes. Energy would be limited, leading to a decrease in metabolic activity, impairing growth, reproduction, and other essential functions.