Question
Question: List the similarities and differences between aerobic and anaerobic respiration....
List the similarities and differences between aerobic and anaerobic respiration.
Solution
The process of energy production by intake of oxygen and release of carbon dioxide is called respiration. Aerobic and Anaerobic respiration are the two modes of cellular respiration categorized on the basis of oxygen usage.
Complete answer:
The similarities between aerobic and anaerobic respiration are as follows:
- The food is broken down to release energy in both aerobic and anaerobic respiration.
- Aerobic and Anaerobic respiration takes place inside cells.
- Aerobic and Anaerobic respiration produces byproducts during the reactions.
- Both processes use glucose as their substrate.
The differences between aerobic and anaerobic respiration are as follows:
| Basis for comparison | Aerobic respiration | Anaerobic respiration |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Aerobic respiration is a set of metabolic reactions that take place in the presence of oxygen, occurring in a cell to convert chemical energy into ATPs. | Anaerobic respiration is a process of cellular respiration that takes place in a condition where there is a low oxygen environment. |
| Exchange of gases | There is an exchange of gases during aerobic respiration where oxygen is absorbed, and carbon dioxide is released. | The exchange of gases doesn’t take place during anaerobic respiration. However, some gases like sulfur and nitrogen gases are released by some organisms. |
| Location | Aerobic respiration, after glycolysis, occurs in the mitochondria of eukaryotes and cytoplasm of prokaryotes. | Anaerobic respiration occurs only in the cytoplasm of a cell. |
| Energy produced | A total of 38 ATPs are produced during aerobic respiration, some of which are lost during the process. | Only 2 ATPs are formed during anaerobic respiration. |
| Reactants | Carbohydrates and oxygen are the prerequisites of aerobic respiration. | Some other electron acceptors like sulfur and nitrogen are required along with the carbohydrates. |
| Nature of the process | Aerobic respiration is comparatively longer than anaerobic respiration. | Anaerobic respiration is shorter than aerobic respiration. |
Note:
- Aerobic respiration occurs in most of the higher organisms like plants and animals.
- Anaerobic respiration occurs in primitive prokaryotes.
- Anaerobic respiration also takes place in the muscle cells in humans during extreme movements.