Question

How is respiration different when there is no oxygen? What are the two reasons we prefer not to use this type of cellular respiration (without oxygen)?

A) It produces more energy and is preferred.
B) It results in the production of lactic acid and is less efficient.
C) It is called anaerobic respiration and occurs in the absence of oxygen.
D) It doesn't produce ATP and is only used by plants.

Answer 1

Anaerobic respiration occurs without oxygen, is less efficient in ATP production, and can create byproducts like lactic acid. Unlike aerobic respiration, it relies on fermentation after glycolysis.

Step-by-step explanation:

Respiration Without Oxygen: Anaerobic Respiration

The process of respiration changes significantly in the absence of oxygen, leading to what is known as anaerobic respiration. Unlike aerobic respiration, anaerobic respiration begins with glycolysis but does not go through the full cycle that leads to the electron transport chain and oxidative phosphorylation. Instead, it utilizes an alternative pathway such as fermentation.

There are two main reasons we prefer not to rely on anaerobic respiration: Firstly, it is less efficient in terms of energy production, yielding far less ATP compared to aerobic respiration. Secondly, it leads to the production of byproducts such as lactic acid in humans or ethanol in yeasts, which can be detrimental in excess.

Drawing from the question's options, the correct answer would be B) It results in the production of lactic acid and is less efficient. Cellular respiration without oxygen is indeed called anaerobic respiration (C), but this option doesn't fully address why we prefer aerobic respiration.