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Cellular respiration primarily occurs in the mitochondria, which are often referred to as the "powerhouses" of the cell. This organelle is crucial for converting biochemical energy from nutrients into adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the energy currency of the cell. The process of cellular respiration involves several stages, including glycolysis, the Krebs cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation, all of which are conducted within the mitochondria.

The mitochondria contain their own DNA and are equipped with the necessary enzymes and structures to facilitate the various reactions involved in energy production. It is within the inner mitochondrial membrane that the electron transport chain operates, a key component for ATP production through oxidative phosphorylation. This makes the mitochondria essential not only for energy production but also for regulating metabolic processes within the cell, highlighting their role as vital centers for cellular metabolism.

In contrast, the nucleus is the control center of the cell containing genetic material, but it does not participate directly in energy production. Ribosomes are responsible for protein synthesis, while the endoplasmic reticulum is involved in the synthesis and processing of proteins and lipids but does not play a direct role in cellular respiration.