Ideally, which molecules are primarily broken down during cellular respiration in the mitochondria?

Breakdown of glucose: Glucose undergoes glycolysis in the cytoplasm, where it is split into two molecules of pyruvate. These pyruvate molecules are then transported into the mitochondria for further processing.

Role of other molecules: While amino acids, fatty acids, and nucleic acids can also be metabolized for energy, they are not the primary molecules used in cellular respiration. These molecules are typically used under specific conditions, such as starvation or prolonged fasting.