Explain how the process of anaerobic respiration takes place.

Answer 1

Anaerobic respiration is the process of creating energy in the absence of Oxygen.

In the absence of Oxygen the usual number of ATP molecules cannot be created due to the absence of the terminal electron acceptor that facilitates the electron transport chain (ETC) leading to reduced activities of Kreb's cycle and glycolysis. Without the function of ETC there are excess NADH and pyruvate (final product of glycolysis). Pyruvate is reduced to lactate (lactic acid) by NADH in the presence of enzyme lactate dehydrogenase yielding NAD+ which is recycled leading to the continuation of the glycolysis process since the supply of NAD+ has been replenished. Glycolysis produces 2 net ATP molecules which is used for energy.

Answer 2

Anaerobic respiration is a type of aerobic respiration that occurs in the absence of oxygen. Glucose is converted to pyruvate, which is then converted to lactic acid in this process. The body then uses lactic acid as a source of energy.