Difference between Aerobic and Anaerobic RespirationRespiration is a continuous process which occurs in the cells of all living organisms to produce energy. In this process, energy is released by breaking down glucose in the cells of the body. This energy is used in different body functions such as it is used by working muscles, chemical reactions, impulses which travel throughout the body and to maintain body temperature. Cellular Respiration is of two types: Aerobic and Anaerobic respiration. Let us see how aerobic respiration differs from anaerobic respiration. Aerobic RespirationIt refers to cellular respiration in which glucose is broken down in the cells using oxygen or in the presence of oxygen to produce energy in the form of ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate). It commonly occurs in all multicellular organisms like plants, animals, humans and other mammals. While breathing, we inhale air which contains oxygen. This oxygen is transported to all body tissues and cells through blood. When oxygen reaches cells, the glucose present in the cells is broken down into carbon dioxide, water and energy. The energy is used by our body to perform different body functions and to help us grow. Aerobic respiration comprises three stages: glycolysis, Krebs cycle and electron transport chain. Its chemical equation is as follows: Glucose (C6H12O6) + Oxygen (6O2) ? Carbon Dioxide 6CO2 + Water 6H2O + Energy (2,900 kJ/mol) Anaerobic RespirationAnaerobic means "without air". So, as the name suggests, the anaerobic respiration takes place in the absence of oxygen. It does not require oxygen to break down the glucose to produce energy. It usually occurs in the unicellular organisms like fungi, bacteria, protozoa and muscle cells. In this respiration, the glucose, which is derived from food, is broken down into alcohol, carbon dioxide and energy in the form of ATP. The energy produced in anaerobic respiration is less than aerobic respiration. It usually occurs in tissues which often require more energy such as working muscles. These tissues don't get enough oxygen to produce required energy by breaking down the glucose through aerobic respiration so they have to carry out anaerobic respiration. It takes place in the cell cytoplasm and produces lactic acid. Chemical equation: Glucose (C6H12O6) ? 2C3H6O3 (Lactic acid) + Energy Based on the above information, some of the key differences between aerobic and anaerobic respiration are as follows:
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