Question

What is the difference between anarobic and aerobic respiration

Answer 1

Both aerobic and anaerobic respiration involve chemical reactions which take place in the cell to produce energy, which is needed for active processes.

• Aerobic respiration takes place in the mitochondria and requires oxygen and glucose, and produces carbon dioxide, water, and energy.
• The chemical equation is C6H12O6 + 6O2 → 6CO2 + 6H2O (glucose + oxygen -> carbon dioxide + water).

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Regards

• Anaerobic respiration also produces energy and uses glucose, but it produces less energy and does not require oxygen. This is useful in tissues which have a high energy demand such as in working muscles, in which there is not enough oxygen to produce all the energy needed by using aerobic respiration alone.
• Anaerobic respiration takes place in the cell cytoplasm and produces lactic acid.
• The chemical equation is C6H12O6 -> 2C3H6O3 (Glucose -> Lactic acid).
• The lactic acid then needs to be oxidised later to carbon dioxide and water afterwards to prevent it building up.
• This process requires oxygen and therefore following anaerobic respiration there is oxygen debt in the cell, as oxygen is needed to break down the lactic acid produced.