Question

Aerobic respiration is more advantageous than anaerobic respiration because

• A. It requires oxygen
• B. It produces more energy
• C. It causes complete breakdown of respiratory substrate
• D. Aerobic respiration produces water.

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

It produces more energy

The oxidative breakdown of respiratory substrates with the help of atmospheric oxygen is known as aerobic respiration. It involves a complete breakdown of substrates into carbon dioxide and water releasing energy. The energy released per mole of glucose is 686 Kcal or 2870 kJ.

Oxidation of respiratory substrates in the absence of atmospheric oxygen is termed as anaerobic respiration. It involves an incomplete breakdown of respiratory substrates in which the end products such as ethanol or lactic acid are produced and carbon dioxide is released. The amount of energy released in this case is 247 kJ.

Since the energy released is more in aerobic respiration, it is more advantageous. Thus, the correct answer is option B.