Final answer:
Aerobic respiration occurs with oxygen, producing up to 38 ATP molecules, while anaerobic respiration happens without oxygen, yielding only 2 ATP but is faster. We prefer aerobic respiration because it’s more energy-efficient and avoids harmful byproduct accumulation.
Step-by-step explanation:
Comparison of Aerobic and Anaerobic Respiration
Respiration is a vital process in which cells extract energy from glucose. This process can happen in two forms: aerobic respiration, which requires oxygen, and anaerobic respiration, which does not. Both forms start with glycolysis, where glucose is broken down, but they follow different pathways afterward.
Aerobic Respiration
Aerobic respiration occurs in the presence of oxygen and results in the complete breakdown of glucose into carbon dioxide and water. This process generates up to 38 molecules of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), making it a highly efficient energy-producing pathway. The energy harnessed is used for various cellular activities such as transport within the cell, and synthesis of molecules.
Anaerobic Respiration
When oxygen is not available, cells may resort to anaerobic respiration. This process is less efficient, generating only about 2 ATP molecules per glucose molecule. However, the advantage of anaerobic respiration is the speed at which ATP is produced, which is useful during short bursts of intense activity, such as sprinting.
The two primary reasons for preferring aerobic respiration over anaerobic respiration are: Anaerobic respiration produces less energy and it can lead to the accumulation of byproducts like lactic acid in human muscles or ethanol in yeast, which can be detrimental if they build up.
Real-Life Applications
In the context of human physiology, during short, intense exercises like a 100-meter sprint, muscle cells undergo anaerobic respiration, quickly producing ATP for energy. For long-distance activities like a 5-kilometer race, the body relies more heavily on aerobic respiration, providing sustained energy over a longer period.