If only given formulas to examine, how could you identify the formula that would represent anaerobic respiration?

Question

Look for glucose as a reactant
Look for ATP energy as a product
Look for glucose as a product
Look for lactic acid as a product

Answer 1

To identify a formula that represents anaerobic respiration, you should look for the following indicators:

1. Glucose as a Reactant: Anaerobic respiration begins with glucose, which is broken down to produce energy.

2. ATP Energy as a Product: One of the key outcomes of anaerobic respiration is the production of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), which serves as an energy currency for the cell.

3. Lactic Acid as a Product: In many organisms (like animals), the anaerobic respiration process (specifically lactic acid fermentation) produces lactic acid as a byproduct, along with ATP.

Based on these points, the correct identifying feature for anaerobic respiration would be "Look for lactic acid as a product."

In summary, while glucose as a reactant and ATP as a product are important in anaerobic respiration, the presence of lactic acid indicates the specific process of anaerobic respiration (especially in muscle cells or certain bacteria), making it a key indicator of that type of respiration.