Final answer:
In the first step of anaerobic respiration, glucose is converted into pyruvate through glycolysis without the need for oxygen. The glycolysis process yields pyruvate, ATP, and NADH. Aerobic respiration differs as it requires oxygen and produces more ATP along with carbon dioxide and water as waste products.
Step-by-step explanation:
Step 1 of Anaerobic Respiration
In the first step of anaerobic respiration, glucose is converted into pyruvate through a process known as glycolysis. Oxygen is not required for this process, hence the term anaerobic. The inputs for glycolysis are one molecule of glucose, and the outputs are two molecules of pyruvate, a net gain of two molecules of ATP, and two molecules of NADH.
Differences Between Aerobic and Anaerobic Respiration
A crucial difference between aerobic respiration and anaerobic respiration is the presence of oxygen. Aerobic respiration occurs in the presence of oxygen and is characterized by the complete breakdown of glucose into carbon dioxide and water, releasing up to 38 ATP molecules per glucose molecule. In contrast, anaerobic respiration occurs in the absence of oxygen and typically results in less ATP production, often just 2 ATP molecules per glucose molecule, with byproducts such as lactic acid or ethanol and carbon dioxide depending on the organism.
Biochemical Cycles in Respiration
The Krebs cycle and the electron transport chain are associated with aerobic respiration. The first step common to both aerobic and anaerobic respiration is glycolysis. Scientists believe glycolysis evolved earlier due to its presence in many different types of organisms and its ability to occur without oxygen.