Aerobic and Anaerobic Respiration

• Aerobic respiration


  Respiration using oxygen, the most efficient way to transfer energy from glucose
• Anaerobic respiration


  Respiration without oxygen, the incomplete breakdown of glucose, producing lactic acid
• Aerobic respiration


  1. Glucose + oxygen

  2. Carbon dioxide + water
• Anaerobic respiration in muscle cells

  1. Glucose

  2. Lactic acid
• Anaerobic respiration does not transfer as much energy as aerobic respiration because glucose isn't fully oxidised
• Anaerobic respiration is only useful in emergencies, e.g. during exercise when it allows you to keep using your muscles for a while longer
• Anaerobic respiration in plants and yeast

  1. Glucose

  2. Ethanol + Carbon dioxide
• Fermentation


  Anaerobic respiration in plant and yeast cells
• Uses of fermentation


  • Making bread
  • Making alcohol drinks (e.g. beer and wine)
• In bread making, it's the carbon dioxide from fermentation that makes bread
• In beer and wine-making, it's the fermentation process that produces alcohol