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.
⚖️ Aerobic vs Anaerobic Respiration
| Feature | Aerobic | Anaerobic (Animals) | Anaerobic (Yeast/Plants) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oxygen needed? | Yes | No | No |
| Products | CO₂ + H₂O | Lactic acid | Ethanol + CO₂ |
| ATP yield | High (~36-38) | Low (2) | Low (2) |
| Location | Mitochondria | Cytoplasm | Cytoplasm |
| Sustainable? | Long periods | Short bursts | Hours to days |
Practice questions for Respiration
Where in the cell does aerobic respiration take place?
Give three uses of energy released from respiration.
Quick recall flashcards
Word equation for aerobic respiration?
glucose + oxygen → carbon dioxide + water
(+ energy released)
Is respiration endothermic or exothermic?
Exothermic — it releases energy from glucose.
This energy is used for movement, growth, and keeping warm.