ANAEROBIC

ANAEROBIC RESPIRATION
RESPIRATION
OBJECTIVES

•Provide a clear overview of anaerobic respiration

•Differentiate between anaerobic and aerobic respiration
•Discuss the physiological implications of anaerobic metabolism
•Highlight adaptive advantages and limitations of anaerobic respiration
•Foster a practical understanding of the significance of anaerobic
respiration
KEY TERMS

 RESPIRATION
is the process by which the body obtains and utilizes oxygen to
produce energy inside a human's body.

 ANAEROBIC
indicates "without oxygen."
WHAT IS ANAEROBIC
REACTION?
WHAT IS ANAEROBIC RESPIRATION?

An anaerobic respiration (also known as anaerobic

reaction) is a process that occurs without the
presence of oxygen. It's often associated with cellular
respiration where cells generate energy in the
absence of oxygen

Anaerobic or cellular reaction is a respiratory reaction

that occurs in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes in
which cells breakdown sugar molecules to produce
energy without oxygen

Anaerobic. respiration does not need oxygen (unlike

aerobic respiration). It is the release of a relatively
small amount of energy in cells by the breakdown of
food substances in the absence of oxygen.
 PROCESS OF ANAEROBIC RESPIRATION

Without oxygen, the electron transport chain (ETC) cannot continue as

there is no terminal electron acceptor.
Therefore, the usual number of ATP molecules cannot be created.
Cessation of the ETC leads to reduced activity of the reactions before this
step, such as the TCA cycle and glycolysis. Therefore, the usual number of
ATP molecules cannot be created.

Without a functional electron transport chain (ETC), there's an excess of

NADH and pyruvate. NADH reduces pyruvate to lactate via lactate
dehydrogenase, yielding NAD+. Recycling NAD+ allows glycolysis to
persist, generating 2 ATP for energy. While less than aerobic respiration,
anaerobic glycolysis is crucial as the sole ATP source. It operates faster
than aerobic, requiring more glucose breakdown (2 ATP vs 32 ATP per
glucose) to meet energy demands.

In situations of increased oxygen demand (e.g., ischaemia), rapid glycolysis

produces lactic acid, physiologically during intense exercise or
pathologically in conditions like ischaemic heart disease or tumor
outgrowth.
 ANAEROBIC VS. AEROBIC RESPIRATION VS. FERMENTATION

Some references consider fermentation as an example or part of anaerobic respiration as both of

them do not use oxygen, and therefore, are anaerobic. However, other references regard them as
two different processes. In this regard, we are going to deal with the two processes here.

Anaerobic stands for “without oxygen.” This

In fermentation, this step is skipped.
method of cellular respiration does not
After glycolysis, pyruvate (in lactic acid
require oxygen to generate energy. For
fermentation) or acetaldehyde (in alcohol
smaller animals to breathe, there is not
fermentation) serves as the final electron
enough oxygen available so they need the
acceptor. In this process, the energy
energy to survive in the absence of oxygen.
from glucose is converted into another
They carry out respiration to produce the
form that can be used by the cell or
energy they need, which is referred to as
stored for later use. It produces lactic
anaerobic respiration. That is in contrast to
acid instead of carbon dioxide and water.
aerobic respiration which requires oxygen,
This type of respiration is only used for
which serves as the final electron acceptor in
short intervals.
the electron transport chain system.
 The process can be written as:
Glucose → Alcohol + Carbon dioxide + Energy

In the absence of oxygen, the process does not result in the development of any more ATP molecules.

This process mainly occurs in microorganisms, but it is also used by multi-cellular organisms, such as
humans, albeit not as common. It is a temporary reaction to oxygen-less conditions.

During hard or vigorous exercise, such as biking, sprinting, cycling or weightlifting, our body needs
high energy. As the availability of oxygen is reduced, the muscle cells within our body use lactic acid
fermentation to satisfy the energy demand.
AEROBIC RESPIRATION VS ANAEROBIC
RESPIRATION
AEROBIC RESPIRATION VS ANAEROBIC RESPIRATION
The table summarizes some differences between the two types of respiration.

AEROBIC ANAEROBIC

OXYGEN Needed Not needed

GLUCOSE Complete Incomplete

BREAKDOWN

END PRODUCT(S) Carbon dioxide and water Animal cells – lactic acid. Plant cells and
yeast – carbon dioxide and ethanol

ENERGY Relatively large amount from each glucose Relatively small amount from each
RELEASED molecule glucose molecule
HOW CAN WE RELATE IT TO
THE ATP AND ADP CYCLE?
• The ATP and ADP cycle is intricately linked to anaerobic reactions, which are metabolic processes that occur in the absence of
oxygen. During anaerobic respiration, cells resort to alternative pathways, such as lactic acid fermentation or alcoholic
fermentation, to generate ATP.

• In these pathways, glucose is partially oxidized to produce energy without the involvement of oxygen. The relationship
between anaerobic reactions and the ATP-ADP cycle lies in the role of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) as the primary energy
currency of the cell.

• As glucose is metabolized through anaerobic processes, it leads to the breakdown of ATP into adenosine diphosphate (ADP)
and inorganic phosphate, releasing energy that fuels cellular activities.

• Subsequently, the regeneration of ATP from ADP through various cellular mechanisms, including glycolysis in anaerobic
conditions, is crucial to sustain the continuous energy demands of the cell.

• Thus, the ATP and ADP cycle serves as the dynamic engine that connects anaerobic reactions to the cellular energy economy,
ensuring the availability of energy for essential biological processes even in the absence of oxygen.

In conclusion, In anaerobic respiration, ADP (adenosine diphosphate) plays a key role in the production of ATP
(adenosine triphosphate), which is the main energy source for cellular processes. Anaerobic respiration is a
metabolic pathway that occurs in the absence of oxygen and is used by some organisms to generate ATP when
oxygen is not available.
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