Here's a breakdown of the process:

* Inputs: Glucose (sugar) and oxygen (O2)

* Outputs: Carbon dioxide (CO2), water (H2O), and ATP (energy)

The chemical equation for respiration is:

C6H12O6 + 6O2 → 6CO2 + 6H2O + ATP

Why plants respire:

Plants need energy to perform essential functions like growth, repair, and movement. Respiration provides this energy, which is stored in the form of ATP.

Note: Plants also perform photosynthesis, where they use sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to produce glucose and oxygen. This is the opposite process of respiration.