Question

Does anaerobic respiration happen in humans?

Answer 1

Anaerobic respiration:

1. When glucose is oxidised without using molecular oxygen, the respiration is called anaerobic respiration.
2. Glucose is converted to pyruvate via glycolysis. This is further partially broken down in the absence of oxygen releasing a small amount of energy.
3. The pyruvic acid is further converted into ethanol (yeast, bacteria) or lactic acid (humans).

Anaerobic respiration in humans:

1. In human beings, anaerobic respiration occurs in certain tissues such as skeletal muscles.
2. During vigorous exercise, muscles do not get sufficient oxygen, and anaerobically metabolized glucose transforms into lactic acid.
3. Accumulation of lactic acid in muscles results in cramps.
   $Glu\cos e\underset{incytoplasm}{\overset{Glycolysis}{\to }}Pyruvate\underset{inmusclecells}{\overset{Nooxygen}{\to }}Lacticacid+Energy\left(2ATPs\right)$