Final answer:
Aerobic respiration uses oxygen as the final electron acceptor, while anaerobic respiration uses an inorganic or organic molecule. The subsequent steps in the two processes differ, with aerobic respiration involving the citric acid cycle and electron transport chain, and anaerobic respiration involving fermentation or breakdown of pyruvate without oxygen.
Step-by-step explanation:
In aerobic respiration, the final electron acceptor is oxygen, while in anaerobic respiration, the final electron acceptor is an inorganic or organic molecule other than oxygen. Both processes involve the breakdown of glucose through glycolysis, but the subsequent steps differ.
In aerobic respiration, after glycolysis, pyruvate is oxidized to produce carbon dioxide, water, and ATP through the citric acid cycle and electron transport chain. In anaerobic respiration, after glycolysis, pyruvate is either fermented to produce lactate or broken down into other compounds without the involvement of oxygen.