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

Question

1. Look for ATP energy as a product.
2. Look for glucose as a product.
3. Look for lactic acid as a product.
4. Look for glucose as a reactant.

Answer 1

To identify the formula that represents anaerobic respiration, you should look for lactic acid as a product.

Anaerobic respiration often produces lactic acid in animal cells (such as in muscles during intense exercise) or ethanol and carbon dioxide in some microorganisms (such as yeast). While ATP is produced during both aerobic and anaerobic respiration, it is not solely indicative of anaerobic respiration. Glucose is a reactant in the process but is also present in aerobic respiration.

Thus, option 3: Look for lactic acid as a product would be the most direct indicator of anaerobic respiration, particularly in the context of animal cells. If considering organisms such as yeast, you might look for ethanol or carbon dioxide instead.