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.
Table of Content
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.
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