Anaerobic respiration is an organism's ability to create energy in the form of Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) without the use of oxygen. Sulfate, nitrate, or sulfur are employed instead. To simplify the preceding equation, organisms that employ anaerobic respiration to generate energy begin with glucose. Glucose is a type of sugar, and it is the same sugar as in the photosynthesis equation.
Organisms use glucose to make ethanol or lactic acid, CO2, and ATP.
When oxygen is scarce, people and animals employ anaerobic respiration for short periods. Imagine a runner on a track. It takes a few seconds for the extra oxygen they require to get into their muscle cells, therefore aerobic respiration takes a long to start.
Anaerobic respiration is needed to produce ATP during this brief period. In contrast to aerobic respiration, which produces 36 molecules of ATP per molecule of glucose, this mode of respiration produces only 2. Anaerobic respiration can potentially be harmful due to its by-products. Anaerobic respiration produces lactic acid in most people and animals.
It is poisonous to cells and causes a burning sensation in muscles when they weary. Thankfully, anaerobic respiration lasts only 20 seconds before aerobic respiration takes over.
Lactic acid buildup causes oxygen debt. For example, a sprinter is said to need a minute to catch his breath. More oxygen is required to break down lactic acid so it is no longer toxic to the cell.