An important step in cellular respiration is

a
the creation of oxygen.
b
the creation of phosphate.
c
the breakdown of carbon dioxide.
d
the breakdown of glucose.

d

the breakdown of glucose.

The correct answer is:

d. the breakdown of glucose.

In cellular respiration, glucose is broken down in a series of steps to release energy. This process occurs in the presence of oxygen and involves several biochemical reactions in the cell's mitochondria. The breakdown of glucose is a crucial step in cellular respiration because it enables the cell to generate ATP (adenosine triphosphate), which is the main energy currency of the cell.

The important step in cellular respiration is the breakdown of glucose.

Explanation on how to find the answer:
Cellular respiration is the process by which cells convert glucose and oxygen into energy, carbon dioxide, and water. Glucose is a simple sugar that provides the fuel for cellular respiration. During this process, glucose is broken down into smaller molecules, releasing energy in the form of ATP (adenosine triphosphate). This breakdown of glucose occurs in several steps, such as glycolysis, the Krebs cycle, and the electron transport chain.

To determine which option represents an important step in cellular respiration, we need to understand the overall process. Options (a) and (b) are incorrect as they involve the creation of oxygen and phosphate, which are already present as reactants in cellular respiration. Option (c) is also incorrect since carbon dioxide is a waste product released during cellular respiration, not broken down.

Therefore, the correct answer is option (d) - the breakdown of glucose.