What are the differences between aerobic and anaerobic respiration? Name some organisms that use the anaerobic mode of respiration.

Solution:

Aerobic respiration

• The process takes place in the presence of free oxygen.
• The products of aerobic respiration are CO₂, water and energy.
• The first step of aerobic respiration (glycolysis) takes place in the cytoplasm, while the next step takes place in mitochondria.
• The process of aerobic respiration takes place in all higher organisms.
• In this process, complete oxidation of glucose takes place.

Anaerobic respiration

• The process takes place in the absence of free oxygen.
• The products of anaerobic respiration are ethyl alcohol, CO₂ and a little energy.
• Even in anaerobic respiration, the first step takes place in the cytoplasm, while the next step takes place in mitochondria.
• In this process, the glucose molecules are incompletely broken down.
• The process of anaerobic respiration takes place in lower organisms like yeast, some species of bacteria and parasites like tapeworms.