Question

List the similarities and differences between aerobic and anaerobic respiration.

Answer 1

The biochemical process by which living cells of an organism are able to exchange gases is known as respiration. It is a metabolic process.

Complete Answer:
Before we look into similarities and differences between aerobic and anaerobic respiration, let us first know a little more about respiration.
The process of respiration occurs within all the cells of the organisms and it produces ATP at the end of the process. This ATP is broken down further to produce glucose which is used by the cells to perform different functions.

There are two types of respiration,
(I) Aerobic respiration: It is a type of cellular respiration which occurs only in the presence of oxygen. It is a continuous process and takes place inside the cells of all plants and animals.
Example: Humans
(II) Anaerobic respiration: It is a type of cellular respiration which can occur without the presence of oxygen.
Example: Bacteria, archaea

Similarities:
- In both the aerobic and anaerobic modes of respiration, the food is broken down to release energy.
- Both the processes take place within the cells.
- Both the products are by-products

Difference:

Sl.No	Aerobic Respiration	Anaerobic Respiration
1.	Requires oxygen to progress	No specific oxygen requirement
2.	Responsible for complete food breakdown	Responsible for partial food breakdown
3.	The end products of the Aerobic Respiration are carbon dioxide and water.	The end products of the Anaerobic Respiration are ethanol and carbon dioxide.
4.	The process results in the formation of more energy	The process results in the formation of less energy
5.	Example: Humans	Example: Bacteria, archaea

Note: There are three phases in respiration,
(I) Glycolysis: In this process glucose is converted to pyruvic acid.
(II) Oxidative phosphorylation: In this process ATP molecules are formed.
(III) Citric acid cycle: In this 2 molecules of ATP is produced.