Question

Why is anaerobic respiration considered less efficient than aerobic respiration?

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

Answer 1

The correct answer is:

**b More ATP molecules are gained in aerobic respiration than in anaerobic respiration.**

Anaerobic respiration generates less ATP because it does not fully oxidize glucose. In aerobic respiration, the presence of oxygen allows for a complete breakdown of glucose to carbon dioxide and water, resulting in a higher yield of ATP (up to about 36-38 ATP molecules per glucose molecule). In contrast, anaerobic respiration typically produces only 2 ATP molecules per glucose molecule through processes like lactic acid fermentation or alcohol fermentation.