Aerobic and Anaerobic Respiration - Differences & Overview

What is Respiration?

Respiration is one of the metabolic processes by which organisms synthesize energy, carbon dioxide and water from oxygen and glucose. This process is crucial for all aerobic organisms because energy is produced that is paramount for cellular activities and physiological processes. In living organisms, respiration is not only identified to provide energy for metabolic functions but also has a significant role in regulating the body’s internal environment and supporting growth and development besides repair functions.

Comparison Table

What is Aerobic Respiration?

Aerobic respiration is a catabolic process in which all the cells in the body use glucose and oxygen to produce carbon dioxide, water and energy. It occurs in the presence of oxygen and it is the main means through which aerobic organisms generate ATP, or Adenosine triphosphate, the energy currency of cells.

The process of aerobic respiration is given below:

Glycolysis

Glycolysis takes place in the cytoplasm of the cell.

Steps Involved:

• Glucose combines with a phosphate group to release vitamins and forms glucose-6-phosphate.

• Glucose-6-phosphate is oxidatively decarboxylated to give fructose-6-phosphate.

• The next step involves the phosphorylation of fructose-6-phosphate to undergo fructose-1,6-bisphosphate.

• Fructose-1,6-bisphosphate is cleaved into 2 three-carbon molecules of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate and dihydroxyacetone phosphate.

• G3P is oxidised, and NAD+ is reduced to NADH In this process, there is the oxidation of G3P and NAD+ while NADH is reduced.

• This is carried out through substrate-level phosphorylation.

• Pyruvate accumulates as the terminal product of this process.

Products Formed:

The products formed are 2 molecules of pyruvate.

• 2 ATP (net gain)

• 2 NADH

Krebs Cycle (Citric Acid Cycle)

The Krebs cycle occurs in the matrix part of the mitochondria.

Steps Involved:

• Citrate forms from acetyl-CoA by combining it with oxaloacetate.

• Citrate is then oxidised to isocitrate.

• Isocitrate is oxidised to alpha-ketoglutarate and simultaneously generates NADH.

• AKG is converted to succinyl-CoA giving rise to NADH.

• Succinyl-CoA is converted to succinate and in the process ATP (or GTP) is produced Many of the complexes are reviewed as follows;

• Succinate is oxidised to fumarate yielding FADH2.

• Fumarate is reduced to malate.

• Malate is oxidised to oxaloacetate while generating NADH.

Products Formed:

2 ATP (in each glucose molecule, these ATP’s are produced through the process of substrate-level phosphorylation).

• 6 NADH

• 2 FADH2

• 4 CO2

Electron Transport Chain (ETC)

The electron transport chain is located within the inner layer of the mitochondria compartments known as the cristae membrane.

Steps Involved:

• NADH and FADH2 pass on their electrons to the electron transport chain.

• Electrons are transferred through a sequence of protein structures.

• The energy liberated from the electron is utilised in putting protons across the inner membrane with the creation of a proton gradient.

• Protons move back through ATP synthase to synthesise ATP.

Role of Oxygen:

Oxygen is the final receptor of electrons, with which it combines to form water through the addition of protons.

Products Formed:

• Approximately 34 ATP

• Water (H2O)

What is Anaerobic Respiration?

Fermentation is a process of breaking down glucose in cells to release energy without using oxygen. This process, in contrast, is less efficient in creating ATP molecules than aerobic respiration, which creates fewer ATP molecules per glucose molecule and it is common in anaerobic conditions.

The different types of anaerobic respiration are:

Lactic Acid Fermentation

Lactic acid fermentation is observed in some bacteria and animal cells particularly the muscle cells when oxygen is scarce. Here, pyruvate – a glycolysis end product – is converted by NAD+ into lactic acid, with NADH generated getting oxidised back to NAD+.

• Skeletal muscle tissue cells during exercise & mainly during vigorous exercise.

• Some of the bacteria include Lactobacillus species

Alcoholic Fermentation

Alcoholic fermentation takes place in yeast and some kinds of bacteria. In this process, pyruvate is again utilized, and it is transformed into ethanol and carbon dioxide. First, pyruvate is decarboxylated into acetaldehyde, and then it is reduced to ethanol with the help of NAD+; the NAD+ is returned to the cycle.

• Yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae)

• Some typical bacteria involve: Zymomonas mobilis

Tips & Tricks for Exam Prep

Given below are tips and tricks to prepare for aerobic anaerobic respiration:

• Diagrams and Tables: Familiarize yourself with diagrams of aerobic and anaerobic pathways. Create a comparison table (like the one above) for quick revision.
• Mnemonics: Use mnemonic devices to remember the steps of the Krebs cycle. For instance, “Citrate Is Krebs' Starting Substrate For Making Oxaloacetate” helps recall the order.
• Flashcards: Prepare flashcards with key terms, such as “Glycolysis,” “Krebs Cycle,” and “Fermentation.”
• Visualization Tools: Watch animations that illustrate the Krebs cycle, ETC.
• Real-Life Applications: Relate concepts to daily activities, such as the burning sensation in muscles due to lactic acid accumulation.

Exam Relevance

The table indicates the weightage and types of questions asked from aerobic anaerobic respiration in different exams:

Aerobic vs Anaerobic Respiration NEET MCQs

Q1. Although the aerobic process of respiration takes place only in the presence of oxygen, the role of oxygen is limited to the terminal stage of the process. Yet, the presence of oxygen is vital and it can be justified as

1. O₂ drives the whole process by removing hydrogen from the system.

2. O₂ is important for removing electrons from the system

3. O₂ drives electrochemical gradient in the ETS

4. O₂ is vital for Krebs cycle

Correct answer: 1) O₂ drives the whole process by removing hydrogen from the system.

Explanation:

Although the role of oxygen in aerobic respiration is only at the terminal stage, its presence is essential in the process. At the terminal stage, oxygen becomes the terminal electron acceptor of the ETC. The oxygen combines with the electrons and hydrogen ions to produce water, which drives the entire process. In its absence, electrons would accumulate in the system, thus bringing the whole chain reaction to a halt. This process is crucial, as it maintains the electron flow, allowing continuation into ATP production through oxidative phosphorylation. Thus, oxygen though not directly involved in each stage of respiration. It plays a vital role in enabling the smooth creation of ATP by receiving hydrogen and electrons, ensuring a process that runs smoothly.

Hence, the correct answer is option 1) O₂ drives the whole process by removing hydrogen from the system.

Q2. Life without air would be

1. Reductional

2. Free from oxidative damage

3. Impossible

4. Anaerobic

Correct answer: 4) Anaerobic

Explanation:

Anaerobic means 'in the absence of molecular oxygen', so life without air would be anaerobic. The atmosphere of Earth at the time of the origin of life was without free oxygen atoms, so the primitive atmosphere was reducing. In such an environment, early organisms likely relied on anaerobic processes like fermentation for energy production. This condition set the stage for the evolution of aerobic organisms once oxygen became more abundant in Earth's atmosphere.

Hence, the correct answer is option 4) Anaerobic.

Q3. The ultimate electron acceptor of respiration in an aerobic organism is

1. Cytochrome

2. Oxygen

3. Hydrogen

4. Glucose

Correct answer: 2) Oxygen

Explanation:

Oxygen is the final electron acceptor in the electron transport chain during aerobic respiration.
This process involves the transmission of electrons via a sequence of protein complexes in the mitochondrial membrane, which eventually combine with protons and oxygen to produce water (H2O).
Because of its high electronegativity, oxygen is very good at taking up electrons, which promotes oxidative phosphorylation, which produces ATP.
The electron transport chain would stop working in the absence of oxygen, forcing aerobic organisms to rely on less effective energy-producing mechanisms like fermentation or anaerobic respiration.

Hence, the correct answer is option 2) Oxygen.

Read More:

• MCQs on Cellular Respiration

• Respiratory Balance Sheet

• Amphibolic Pathway

FAQs on Aerobic vs Anaerobic Respiration

What is the difference between aerobic and anaerobic respiration?

Aerobic respiration occurs in the presence of oxygen, where glucose is completely broken down into carbon dioxide and water, releasing large amounts of energy. It takes place mainly in the mitochondria and is highly efficient. Anaerobic respiration, on the other hand, occurs in the absence of oxygen and involves the partial breakdown of glucose. It produces less energy and forms by-products such as lactic acid in animals or ethanol and CO₂ in yeast. Thus, aerobic respiration yields more ATP compared to anaerobic respiration.

How many ATP are produced in aerobic respiration?

In aerobic respiration one glucose molecule produces a total of 36 to 38 ATP molecules (depending on the organism and cell type). This includes 2 ATP from glycolysis, 2 ATP from the Krebs cycle, and 32–34 ATP from oxidative phosphorylation in the electron transport chain. Since oxygen acts as the final electron acceptor, the complete oxidation of glucose in aerobic respiration ensures maximum energy release.

What are the by-products of anaerobic respiration?

The by-products of anaerobic respiration depend on the organism. In muscle cells of animals, it produces lactic acid along with 2 ATP molecules, leading to muscle fatigue. In yeast and some bacteria, it produces ethanol and carbon dioxide, also with low ATP yield. These by-products reflect incomplete breakdown of glucose due to the absence of oxygen, which prevents complete oxidation.

What is lactic acid fermentation?

Lactic acid fermentation is a type of anaerobic respiration that occurs in animal muscle cells and certain bacteria when oxygen supply is limited. During this process, pyruvate (produced in glycolysis) is converted into lactic acid, with the release of 2 ATP molecules. This helps muscles continue working for short periods without oxygen, though lactic acid buildup causes fatigue and cramps. In industries, lactic acid fermentation by bacteria is also used in making curd, cheese, and pickles.

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