Anaerobic

• Anaerobic respiration is used if there is not enough oxygen. It is the incomplete breakdown of glucose, making lactic acid.
• Equation for anaerobic respiration in muscle cells:

  • Glucose -> Lactic acid
  • C6H12O6 -> 2C3H6O3
• Anaerobic respiration does not transfer nearly as much energy as aerobic respiration. This is because glucose isn't fully oxidised. Therefore anaerobic respiration is only useful in emergencies such as during exercise when it allows you to keep using your muscles longer.
• Plants and yeast cells can respire anaerobically, but they produce ethanol and carbon dioxide instead of lactic acid.
• Equation for anaerobic respiration in plants and yeast cells:

  • glucose -> ethanol + carbon dioxide
  • C6H12O6 → 2C2H5OH + 2CO2
• Anaerobic respiration in yeast cells is called fermentation. It is used to make bread and alcoholic drinks (beer and wine). In bread making, its the carbon dioxide that makes the bread rise.
• Anaerobic respiration produces lactic acid which can damage cells and leads to an oxygen debt