Question

Write two different ways in which glucose is oxidized to provide energy in the human body. Write the products formed in each case.

Answer 1

The two ways in which glucose is oxidized to provide energy in diverse organisms are listed below.

• Aerobic respiration
• Anaerobic respiration

Aerobic respiration

• It occurs in the presence of oxygen, respiration occurs, and the products are carbon dioxide, energy, and water.
• $$\begin{gathered} \mathrm{Glucose}+\mathrm{Oxygen}\to \mathrm{Carbon}\mathrm{dioxide}+\mathrm{Water}+\mathrm{Energy} \\ {\mathrm{C}}_6{\mathrm{H}}_{12}{\mathrm{O}}_6\left(\mathrm{l}\right)+6{\mathrm{O}}_2\left(\mathrm{g}\right)\to 6{\mathrm{CO}}_2\left(\mathrm{g}\right)+6{\mathrm{H}}_2\mathrm{O}\left(\mathrm{l}\right)+\mathrm{Energy} \end{gathered}$$

Anaerobic respiration

• It occurs in the absence of oxygen, respiration occurs, and the products generated are lactic acid or ethanol and energy.
• $$\begin{gathered} \mathrm{Glucose}\to \mathrm{Alcohol}+\mathrm{Carbon}\mathrm{dioxide}+\mathrm{Energy} \\ \mathrm{Glucose}\to \mathrm{Lactic}\mathrm{acid}+\mathrm{Energy} \\ {\mathrm{C}}_6{\mathrm{H}}_{12}{\mathrm{O}}_6\left(\mathrm{l}\right)\to 2{\mathrm{C}}_3{\mathrm{H}}_6{\mathrm{O}}_3\left(\mathrm{l}\right)+\mathrm{Energy} \end{gathered}$$

Differences between Aerobic and Anaerobic respiration:

Aerobic Respiration	Anaerobic Respiration
When this type of respiration occurs, oxygen is present.	When this type of respiration occurs, oxygen is not present.
This type of respiration involves the exchange of gases.	This type of respiration do not involve the exchange of gases.
It may be found in the cytoplasm and the mitochondria.	It is found only in the cytoplasm.
Glucose degrades to carbon dioxide and water.	Glucose is broken down into ethanol, carbon dioxide, and energy.
This type of respiration is seen in all higher creatures, including mammals.	This kind is used by lower organisms such as bacteria and yeast. It occurs during excessive activity in other creatures.