The process by which plants release energy in food to carry on life processes is called cellular respiration. This is a series of chemical reactions that occur in the cells of all living organisms, including plants. Here's a breakdown:

1. Glycolysis:

* This happens in the cytoplasm of the cell.

* Glucose (a sugar produced during photosynthesis) is broken down into pyruvate.

* This process produces a small amount of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the primary energy currency of cells, and NADH, an electron carrier.

2. Krebs Cycle (Citric Acid Cycle):

* This occurs in the mitochondria of the cell.

* Pyruvate is further broken down, producing more ATP, NADH, and FADH2 (another electron carrier).

* Carbon dioxide is released as a waste product.

3. Electron Transport Chain:

* This also occurs in the mitochondria.

* Electrons from NADH and FADH2 are passed along a chain of protein molecules.

* This process releases energy, which is used to pump protons across the mitochondrial membrane, creating a gradient.

* This gradient is used to generate a large amount of ATP.

* Water is produced as a byproduct.

Overall, cellular respiration can be summarized as follows:

Glucose + Oxygen → Carbon dioxide + Water + Energy (ATP)

This energy from ATP is used by plants for various life processes, including:

* Growth: Producing new cells and tissues

* Repair: Replacing damaged cells and tissues

* Movement: Transporting water and nutrients

* Reproduction: Producing flowers, seeds, and fruits

* Response to stimuli: Reacting to changes in their environment

Important Note: While plants are known for producing their own food through photosynthesis, they still require cellular respiration to utilize that food for energy.