Difference Between Aerobic and Anaerobic Respiration

Difference Between Aerobic And Anaerobic Respiration: Aerobic and Anaerobic Respiration are two types of respiration based on the presence or absence of oxygen. Both aerobic and anaerobic are responsible for the breaking down of glucose and the release of energy. Respiration is the process of taking in gases and exhaling gases by the body cells. In humans, we take in oxygen from the air and exhale carbon dioxide. The absorbed gases are used in various processes in the body. In this article, we will learn about aerobic respiration, anaerobic respiration, and the difference between aerobic and anaerobic respiration.

Difference Between Aerobic and Anaerobic Respiration

Aerobic vs anaerobic respiration is given below:

Characteristics	Aerobic Respiration	Anaerobic Respiration
Definition	Aerobic means in the presence of air	Anaerobic means in the absence of air
Oxygen Requirement	Aerobic respiration takes place in the presence of air or oxygen.	Anaerobic respiration takes place in the absence of air or oxygen.
Nature	There is an exchange of Gases	The exchange of gases does not take place.
Products	The Glucose reacts with oxygen to give Carbon dioxide, energy, and water.	The Glucose breaks down to give Carbon dioxide, energy, and alcohol.
Division	It is not divided further.	It is further divided into Lactic Acid Fermentation and Alcoholic Fermentation.
Organisms	Takes place in higher organisms like plants and humans.	Anaerobic respiration occurs in lower organisms like bacteria.
Location	Takes place in both cytoplasm and mitochondria.	Takes place only in the cytoplasm.
Energy Released	A large amount of Energy is released (36-38 ATP)	Low energy generate from one molecule of glucose (2 ATP)

Aerobic Respiration

This is a type of cellular respiration that occurs in the presence of oxygen. The word aerobic means air. In aerobic respiration, oxygen is taken in and used to produce energy. This type of respiration occurs in both animals and plants. The oxygen that is taken in is used to release energy by breaking down the food.

When we breathe we intake oxygen-rich air and release carbon dioxide-rich air. The oxygen-rich air travels to all the parts, till it reaches each cell and inside the cell, the oxygen is used to break down food to release energy. The main products of this reaction are carbon dioxide, water, and energy. The released energy is utilized by the body to carry out various functions. 

Glucose + Oxygen —-> Carbon dioxide + Water + Energy(ATP)

Anaerobic Respiration

The word Anaerobic respiration means no air. This means that respiration occurs in the absence of air (or oxygen). Anaerobic respiration takes place when enough oxygen is not present in the air. When there is a lack of oxygen the cells start to find alternative ways to produce energy. Anaerobic respiration is common in microorganisms and lower plants. 

Glucose —> Alcohol  + Carbon dioxide+ Energy (ATP )

In this type of respiration, the cells release alcohol carbon dioxide, and energy. It is further divided into Lactic Acid Fermentation and Alcoholic Fermentation.

Conclusion – Difference Between Aerobic And Anaerobic Respiration

In conclusion, the difference between aerobic and anaerobic respiration lies in their oxygen requirements, products, and organisms involved. Aerobic respiration occurs in the presence of oxygen, produces carbon dioxide, water, and more energy. On the other hand, anaerobic respiration takes place in the absence of oxygen, yields alcohol, carbon dioxide, and lesser energy. Both aerobic and anaerobic respiration are crucial for generating energy in various organisms, showcasing the diverse ways cells adapt to oxygen availability for survival and function.

FAQs on Aerobic and Anaerobic Respiration

What is Respiration?

Respiration is the process by which living organisms inhale oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide producing energy that is essential for cellular functions.

What is the Anaerobic Process?

The anaerobic process is a type of cellular respiration that occurs in the absence of oxygen, typically producing less energy than aerobic respiration and often leading to the production of byproducts such as lactic acid or ethanol.

What is the Difference Between Aerobic and Anaerobic Respiration Class 10 NCERT?

Aerobic respiration and anaerobic respiration are two types of respiration. Aerobic respiration takes place in the presence of oxygen, whereas anaerobic respiration takes place in the absence of oxygen.

What are the By Products of Aerobic and Anaerobic Respiration Class 10?

Aerobic respiration produces carbon dioxide and water, while anaerobic respiration produces either alcohol and carbon dioxide (in alcoholic fermentation) or lactic acid (in lactic acid fermentation).

List the Various Stages of Aerobic Respiration.

The various stages of Anaerobic respiration are Glycolysis, The Krebs cycle, and Oxidative phosphorylation.

What are the Various Types of Anaerobic Respiration?

The different types of Anaerobic respiration are Alcoholic fermentation and Lactic acid fermentation.

What is Aerobic and Anaerobic Respiration Class 9?

Aerobic respiration requires oxygen and produces energy, carbon dioxide, and water, while anaerobic respiration occurs without oxygen and produces energy, along with either lactic acid or alcohol and carbon dioxide.

Where does Aerobic and Anaerobic Respiration Occur in the Cell?

Aerobic respiration occurs in both the cytoplasm and mitochondria of the cell, while anaerobic respiration occurs only in the cytoplasm.

Name the Different Stages of Aerobic Respiration

The different stages of aerobic respiration are Glycolysis, the Krebs cycle (also known as the citric acid cycle), and the Electron Transport Chain (ETC) or oxidative phosphorylation.

What are the Similarities Between Aerobic And Anaerobic Respiration?

Aerobic and anaerobic respiration both break down glucose to release energy. They share similarities in glycolysis and ATP production which is vital for cellular functions and the survival of organism.