The series of chemical reactions in which a molecule of glucose is broken down is called cellular respiration.

Here's a breakdown of the process:

* Glycolysis: Glucose is broken down into pyruvate. This occurs in the cytoplasm of the cell.

* Krebs Cycle (Citric Acid Cycle): Pyruvate is further broken down, generating ATP (energy) and electron carriers (NADH and FADH2). This occurs in the mitochondria.

* Electron Transport Chain: The electron carriers deliver electrons to a series of protein complexes in the mitochondrial membrane. This process drives the production of a large amount of ATP, the primary energy currency of the cell.

Cellular respiration is the primary way that organisms obtain energy from food, and it is essential for life.