Why is aerobic cellular respiration more efficient than anaerobic cellular respiration? What is often a by-product of anaerobic respiration?

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brittanyrolfe · Answer

Aerobic respiration consists of 4 internal processes: Glycolysis, Pyruvate Oxidation, Krebs Cycle, and the Electron Transport Chain. Aerobic respiration (presence of oxygen) allows these processes to occur and are able to produce lots of energy (36 ATP's) from this process. As for anaerobic respiration, this is when there is no oxygen present. Anaerobic respiration can only reach the end of glycolysis, which produces a net amount of 2 ATP which is significantly lower than that of aerobic respiration. Also, anaerobic respiration produces a by-product of lactic acid, which is why our muscles become fatigued after we work out. Working out presents a lack of oxygen in our body and as a result, anaerobic respiration occurs to keep a small but constant flow of energy to our body, allowing us to continue normal functions.