Question

Write four important differences between aerobic and anaerobic respiration.

Answer 1

Hint: From the name itself, we can easily figure out that aerobic stands for air or more precisely oxygen. Therefore, we can infer from here that type of respiration which requires or rather which takes place in the presence of oxygen is known as the aerobic respiration.

Complete answer:
Respiration is the process by which energy is released by the breakdown of carbohydrates, proteins or lipids. These energy rich complex biomolecules are broken down into simpler substances.
Respiration is primarily of two types:
- Aerobic Respiration
- Anaerobic Respiration

The table below gives the differences between the two.

Aerobic Respiration	Anaerobic Respiration
This is the type of respiration which uses the molecular oxygen.	This type of respiration does not use the molecular oxygen.
In aerobic respiration, the carbohydrates, proteins and lipids are broken down completely.	In anaerobic respiration, there is an incomplete breakdown of the substrate.
The end product is carbon dioxide, water and energy.	The end product is carbon dioxide and either lactic acid or ethyl alcohol.
A large amount of energy is released. This usually occurs in humans, animals, higher plants etc.	Energy is released but is very less as compared to the aerobic respiration. This occurs in yeast, mitochondria, etc.

Note: It must be noted that the skeletal muscles in our body usually respire aerobically. But when we exercise too much the oxygen which is utilized by the muscles exceeds the amount that reaches the muscle cells. Now the muscles start respiring anaerobically. This is the reason why we feel fatigued when we do an intense workout.