Let me share with you a comparison between Aerobic and Anaerobic respiration.
| Aspect | Aerobic Respiration | Anaerobic Respiration |
| Oxygen Requirement | · Requires oxygen for the breakdown of glucose and energy production. | · Occurs in the absence of oxygen |
| Takes place in | · Mitochondria | · Cytoplasm |
| Efficiency | · Highly efficient · 38 ATP per glucose molecule | · Less efficient · 2 ATP per glucose molecule in lactic acid fermentation |
| Pathway | · Glycolysis · Krebs cycle · Electron transport chain | · Lactic acid fermentation · Alcoholic fermentation |
| ATP Production Efficiency | · Net gain of up to 38 ATP per glucose molecule. | · Net gain of 2 ATP per glucose molecule in lactic acid fermentation. The yield may vary in other anaerobic pathways. |
| Occurs in | · Human cells · Some prokaryotes | · Prokaryotic cells · Muscle cells during intense exercise · Certain microorganisms like yeast. |
| Duration of Process | · Prolonged process | · Short-term process |
| End Products | · CO2 · H2O | · Lactic acid · Ethanol |