Summary
Aerobic uses oxygen for a large ATP yield; anaerobic occurs without oxygen with much less ATP.
In depth
Aerobic yields about 15 times more ATP than glycolysis alone. In anaerobic conditions, pyruvate is reduced to lactate (animals) or ethanol and CO2 (yeast). Facultative organisms switch.
Anaerobic pathways allow short bursts of ATP, but acid build-up limits them. Some organisms thrive anaerobically all their lives.
Key idea: oxygen allows complete oxidation, giving far more ATP.
Aerobic respiration uses oxygen as the final electron acceptor and yields about 30 to 32 ATP per glucose. Anaerobic respiration occurs without oxygen, and in animals and yeast gives only 2 ATP per glucose through glycolysis followed by fermentation.
Anaerobic ATP is produced rapidly, which suits sprinting, but it is inefficient and accumulates lactate. Some prokaryotes use other acceptors such as nitrate or sulfate in true anaerobic respiration with an electron transport chain. Facultative anaerobes can switch; obligate anaerobes are poisoned by oxygen.
Example: yeast in dough produce CO2 that makes bread rise.
Key idea: oxygen allows far more energy to be extracted from the same fuel.
Frequently asked questions
What is Aerobic and Anaerobic Respiration?
Aerobic uses oxygen for a large ATP yield; anaerobic occurs without oxygen with much less ATP.
Which area of biology covers Aerobic and Anaerobic Respiration, and how advanced is it?
Aerobic and Anaerobic Respiration is one of the 53 topics in Metabolism & Bioenergetics. It is rated Beginner, so it suits learners who are starting out in biology. Related topics in this area include Anaerobic Respiration in Prokaryotes, Alcoholic Fermentation, Respiratory Equation.
Can you give an example of Aerobic and Anaerobic Respiration?
Sprinting relies on anaerobic respiration for a short burst.
What should I learn before Aerobic and Anaerobic Respiration?
Aerobic and Anaerobic Respiration is a Beginner topic, so no earlier topic is required. Other Beginner topics in Metabolism & Bioenergetics that pair well with it include Metabolism, Anabolism and Catabolism, ATP.
What topics are related to Aerobic and Anaerobic Respiration?
The closest topics to Aerobic and Anaerobic Respiration are Anaerobic Respiration in Prokaryotes, Alcoholic Fermentation, Respiratory Equation, Oxidative Phosphorylation. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
How can I check that I understand Aerobic and Anaerobic Respiration?
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Aerobic and Anaerobic Respiration. To practise the whole of Metabolism & Bioenergetics, use the Metabolism & Bioenergetics quiz.
How is Aerobic and Anaerobic Respiration different from Anaerobic Respiration in Prokaryotes?
Aerobic and Anaerobic Respiration: Aerobic uses oxygen for a large ATP yield; anaerobic occurs without oxygen with much less ATP. Anaerobic Respiration in Prokaryotes: Bacteria use alternative terminal acceptors such as nitrate or sulfate in the electron transport chain. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
How should I study Aerobic and Anaerobic Respiration step by step?
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with Anaerobic Respiration in Prokaryotes and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Metabolism & Bioenergetics quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.