Final answer:
Aerobic actually means 'with oxygen,' and aerobic processes, including aerobic respiration, occur in the presence of oxygen. Anaerobic means 'without oxygen' and refers to processes and activities, like certain exercises and the respiration of some organisms, that do not require oxygen.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement 'Aerobic means "without oxygen"' is false. The correct definition of aerobic is ‘with oxygen’. Aerobic respiration is the process that occurs with the presence of oxygen and involves the breakdown of glucose (or other nutrients) to produce carbon dioxide, water, and ATP. ATP is the energy currency of the cell, and aerobic respiration is an efficient way to produce large amounts of ATP.
On the other hand, anaerobic means 'without oxygen'. This refers to processes that occur without the reliance on oxygen, such as anaerobic exercise, which typically involves short bursts of high-intensity activity. During anaerobic exercise, energy is generated through the process of glycolysis, where glucose is metabolized to produce ATP and lactic acid, leading to what is commonly called an oxygen debt.
Furthermore, certain organisms, known as anaerobic organisms, may perform anaerobic respiration in the absence of oxygen. This process can include fermentation or other types of respiration that do not require oxygen. Some organisms can switch between aerobic and anaerobic respiration, depending on whether oxygen is available.