Aerobic and Anaerobic Respiration

Aerobic respiration is a chemical reaction that requires oxygen to break down glucose and other nutrients, in order to generate energy.
This energy is stored as Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP), which cells use to perform various activities.
This type of respiration takes place in the mitochondria of the cell.
The output of aerobic respiration is mainly water, carbon dioxide and heat energy along with ATP.
It’s a slow process, thereby it provides a constant supply of energy.
Aerobic respiration is most important during long-term exercises like cycling, marathon running and swimming.

Anaerobic respiration occurs when there is not enough oxygen to fulfil the energy demands of the body.
Instead of using oxygen, the body begins to break down glucose without oxygen, resulting in the production of ATP and a byproduct called lactic acid.
This process happens in the cytoplasm of the cell.
The lactic acid level increases during anaerobic respiration, causing a burning sensation and fatigue in muscles.
Anaerobic respiration is a fast process, capable of producing ATP quickly but not for a sustained period.
This type of respiration is most commonly utilised during short bursts of intense activities, like sprinting or lifting a heavy weight.

Aerobic respiration generates energy slowly but can be sustained for a long period, while anaerobic respiration generates energy quickly but can only be sustained for a short period.
Aerobic respiration requires oxygen and produces carbon dioxide, water and a considerable amount of energy while anaerobic respiration occurs without oxygen and results in lactic acid along with a small amount of energy.
While both methods produce ATP, aerobic respiration produces significantly more ATP compared to anaerobic respiration from the same amount of glucose.