The correct option is (c).
Explanation
Cellular respiration is a vital metabolic process occurring in the cells of living organisms. It involves the biochemical oxidation of nutrients (primarily glucose) to generate usable energy in the form of Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP).Statement 1 is Correct: Cellular respiration is the process of the breakdown of food (complex organic molecules like glucose) within the cell. It is a catabolic pathway where large molecules are broken down into simpler ones to release energy.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: Cellular respiration is an exothermic (energy-releasing) process. The energy stored in the chemical bonds of food is released and captured as ATP. In contrast, processes like photosynthesis are endothermic (energy-absorbing).
Statement 3 is Correct: Cellular respiration occurs in the cells of all living organisms, including both plants and animals. While plants synthesize food via photosynthesis, they must also respire to break down that food and release energy for metabolic activities.
Key Takeaway: Cellular respiration is a universal, energy-releasing (catabolic) process common to all living organisms, distinct from energy-absorbing anabolic processes like photosynthesis.