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

Sourav PanNovember 12, 2024

Answered step-by-step

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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