Why is anaerobic respiration considered less efficient than aerobic respiration?

a
More ATP molecules are gained in aerobic respiration than in anaerobic respiration.
b
Less lactic acid is formed during anaerobic respiration than during aerobic respiration.
c
Less energy is required during anaerobic respiration than aerobic respiration.
d
More oxygen is required for anaerobic respiration than for aerobic respiration.

1 answer

The correct answer is a) More ATP molecules are gained in aerobic respiration than in anaerobic respiration.

Anaerobic respiration occurs in the absence of oxygen and produces a limited amount of ATP through the process of glycolysis. This initial step of anaerobic respiration produces 2 ATP molecules per glucose molecule. However, it does not fully break down glucose, resulting in the accumulation of lactic acid in humans or ethanol in some other organisms.

On the other hand, aerobic respiration occurs in the presence of oxygen and allows for a complete breakdown of glucose, producing a maximum of 36-38 ATP molecules. This process includes the additional steps of the Krebs cycle and electron transport chain, which generate a significant amount of ATP.

Therefore, aerobic respiration is considered more efficient in terms of ATP production because it generates a much higher yield of ATP molecules compared to anaerobic respiration.