Final answer:
Anaerobic glucose catabolism yields a net of two ATPs per glucose molecule through glycolysis, with pyruvate typically being converted to lactate to regenerate NAD+.
Step-by-step explanation:
Glucose catabolism under anaerobic conditions results in a net yield of two ATPs from one molecule of glucose. During the anaerobic phase, specifically glycolysis, glucose is initially phosphorylated, spending two ATP molecules. Ultimately, glycolysis produces four ATPs, leading to a net gain of two ATPs, along with the formation of two molecules of pyruvate and the reduction of two molecules of NAD+ to NADH. In the absence of oxygen, the pyruvates are typically converted to lactate in a process known as anaerobic glycolysis, which also regenerates NAD+, allowing glycolysis to continue.