Anaerobic respiration
Anaerobic Respiration
Anaerobic respiration (pronunciation: /ˌænəˈroʊbɪk rɛspəˈreɪʃən/) is a type of respiration that does not require oxygen to produce energy. The term is derived from the Greek words "an" meaning "without", "aer" meaning "air", and "bios" meaning "life".
Overview
In the process of anaerobic respiration, energy is produced by the breakdown of glucose in the absence of oxygen. This process occurs in many types of organisms, including bacteria, yeast, and muscle cells during intense exercise.
Process
Anaerobic respiration begins with glycolysis, the breakdown of glucose into pyruvate. This process produces a small amount of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the main energy currency of cells. The pyruvate is then converted into different end products depending on the organism. In yeast and some bacteria, it is converted into ethanol and carbon dioxide. In muscle cells, it is converted into lactic acid.
Comparison with Aerobic Respiration
Unlike aerobic respiration, which produces a large amount of ATP and requires oxygen, anaerobic respiration produces a relatively small amount of ATP and does not require oxygen. However, anaerobic respiration can occur much more quickly and allows organisms to survive in environments where oxygen is scarce or absent.
Related Terms
- Fermentation: A type of anaerobic respiration that occurs in yeast and some bacteria, producing ethanol and carbon dioxide.
- Lactic Acid Fermentation: A type of anaerobic respiration that occurs in muscle cells during intense exercise, producing lactic acid.
- Glycolysis: The first step in both aerobic and anaerobic respiration, involving the breakdown of glucose into pyruvate.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Anaerobic respiration
- Wikipedia's article - Anaerobic respiration
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