Differences and Similarities Aerobic and Anaerobic Respiration

Two Types of Anaerobic Respiration

Lactic Acid Fermentation
- Reactants: Pyruvate and NADH
- Products: NAD+ and lactate (lactic acid)
- Occurs in Muscle cells and micro-organisms
- Alcohol Fermentation
  - Reactants: Pyruvate
  - Products: Ethanol and CO2 (waste)
  - Occurs in Yeasts and some bacteria

	Aerobic Respiration	Anaerobic Respiration
Similarities	Both processes begin with the breakdown of sugar (glucose) Both processes involve pyruvate Both processes are involved in cellular respiration
Type of cells that perform the process	Cancer cells Metabolic cells Muscle cells Yeast cells
Location within the cell	Mitochondria Where oxygen is lacking (mitochondria for lactic acid and alcohol fermentation)
Oxygen requirements	Oxygen is required for the process to occur	Oxygen is not used in this type of respiration
Reactants and Products	Reactants: Pyruvate NAD, CoA Products: Acetyl CoA, NADH, CO2 (waste)	Reactants: Pyruvate and NADH Products: NAD+ or ethanol
Energy Output	36 ATP molecules are produced through this process	2 ATP molecules are released through this process

William Anderson (Schoolworkhelper Editorial Team)

William completed his Bachelor of Science and Master of Arts in 2013. He current serves as a lecturer, tutor and freelance writer. In his spare time, he enjoys reading, walking his dog and parasailing. Article last reviewed: 2022 | St. Rosemary Institution © 2010-2025 | Creative Commons 4.0

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