Aerobic vs Anaerobic Respiration

Part of Respiration ยท Section 7 of 17

ComparisonUnit: BioenergeticsGCSE
Painted side-by-side comparison of aerobic versus anaerobic respiration. LEFT (aerobic, warm-amber background, O2 present): glucose + oxygen enter a painted mitochondrion, producing carbon dioxide, water, and a LARGE energy burst โ€” labelled 'In mitochondria'. RIGHT (anaerobic, cool-blue background, O2 absent): glucose enters the cytoplasm zone producing lactic acid and a SMALL energy burst โ€” labelled 'In cytoplasm'. Parchment summary lists the trade-off: aerobic = lots of energy + CO2 + water; anaerobic = little energy + lactic acid in muscles.
Feature Aerobic Anaerobic (Animals) Anaerobic (Yeast/Plants)
Oxygen needed? Yes No No
Products COโ‚‚ + Hโ‚‚O Lactic acid Ethanol + COโ‚‚
ATP yield High (~36-38) Low (2) Low (2)
Location Mitochondria Cytoplasm Cytoplasm
Sustainable? Long periods Short bursts Hours to days

This comparison covers Aerobic vs Anaerobic Respiration within Respiration for GCSE Biology. Topic 2: Respiration It is section 7 of 17 in this topic. Use this comparison to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.

Practice questions for Respiration

Where in the cell does aerobic respiration take place?

  • A. Nucleus
  • B. Mitochondria
  • C. Chloroplasts
  • D. Cytoplasm
1 markfoundation

Give three uses of energy released from respiration.

3 marksstandard

Quick recall flashcards

Word equation for aerobic respiration?
glucose + oxygen โ†’ carbon dioxide + water (+ energy released)
Is respiration endothermic or exothermic?
Exothermic โ€” it releases energy from glucose. This energy is used for movement, growth, and keeping warm.

29 questions on Respiration: practise free

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