What is the name of the process by which cells break down glucose to release energy?

The process by which cells break down glucose to release energy is known as cellular respiration, which generally involves several steps that convert glucose into ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the energy currency of the cell. This process can occur in both aerobic (with oxygen) and anaerobic (without oxygen) conditions.

While glycolysis is a specific part of cellular respiration that first breaks down glucose into pyruvate, it is not the complete process itself. Glycolysis is the initial stage that occurs in the cytoplasm of the cell and is followed by further reactions in the mitochondria, especially in aerobic respiration. Therefore, although glycolysis contributes to the overall breakdown of glucose for energy, the broader term that encompasses all steps and mechanisms of energy release from glucose is cellular respiration.

In contrast, photosynthesis refers to the process used by plants to convert light energy into chemical energy stored as glucose, and fermentation is an alternative pathway for energy production that occurs in anaerobic conditions but differs in its outputs and efficiency compared to cellular respiration.