Which of the following statements about cellular respiration is true?

Cellular respiration is a crucial metabolic process that takes place in living organisms, involving both anaerobic and aerobic pathways. When considering the correct answer, it's important to recognize that cellular respiration encompasses several stages, including glycolysis, the Krebs cycle, and the electron transport chain. Glycolysis occurs in the cytoplasm and can function without oxygen (anaerobic). In contrast, the Krebs cycle and the electron transport chain require oxygen (aerobic) and take place in the mitochondria. This dual ability to perform under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions is what differentiates cellular respiration from other metabolic processes.

The other statements provided do not accurately represent the facts about cellular respiration. It does not exclusively occur in plants; animals also perform cellular respiration. Additionally, cellular respiration consumes glucose rather than producing more. In fact, the overall process converts glucose into energy (ATP) and produces byproducts, such as carbon dioxide and water. Lastly, cellular respiration does not occur solely in the cytoplasm, as components of the process take place in the mitochondria, highlighting the complexity of this vital metabolic function.