What are the key differences between aerobic and anaerobic respiration regarding oxygen, products, and energy transfer?

SouravNovember 12, 2024

Answer

The key differences between aerobic and anaerobic respiration can be summarized based on three main criteria: the presence of oxygen, the products formed, and the energy transfer efficiency.

1. Presence of Oxygen

• Aerobic Respiration: This type of respiration occurs in the presence of oxygen. Oxygen acts as the final electron acceptor in the electron transport chain, allowing for efficient energy production.
• Anaerobic Respiration: This occurs in the absence of oxygen. Instead of oxygen, other molecules (such as nitrate, sulfate, or organic compounds) serve as electron acceptors.

2. Products Formed

• Aerobic Respiration: The main products are carbon dioxide (CO₂), water (H₂O), and ATP. The overall chemical equation can be represented as:
  C6H12O6+6O2→6CO2+6H2O+energy ATP  
• Anaerobic Respiration: The products vary depending on the type of fermentation:
  • Lactic Acid Fermentation: In animals, glucose is converted into lactic acid and ATP.
    C6H12O6→2C3H6O3+energy ATP 
  • Alcoholic Fermentation: In yeast and some bacteria, glucose is converted into ethanol, carbon dioxide, and ATP.
    C6H12O6→2C2H5OH+2CO2+energy ATP  

3. Energy Transfer Efficiency

• Aerobic Respiration: This process is highly efficient, producing approximately 30 to 38 ATP molecules per molecule of glucose. The complete oxidation of glucose allows for maximal energy extraction.
• Anaerobic Respiration: This process is less efficient, yielding only about 2 ATP molecules per molecule of glucose. The incomplete breakdown of glucose results in significantly less energy being produced.

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