Anaerobic respiration produces a net of 2 ATP molecules per glucose molecule. [5]
While glucose is a crucial energy source, its processing differs significantly between aerobic and anaerobic conditions.
ATP Production in Anaerobic Respiration
Anaerobic respiration, unlike aerobic respiration, doesn't require oxygen. This process results in a much smaller ATP yield.
- Glycolysis: Glucose (a hexose sugar [5]) is broken down into pyruvate.
- Fermentation: Pyruvate is converted into other compounds, such as lactic acid or ethanol, depending on the organism. This regenerates NAD+, which is needed for glycolysis to continue.
| Process | ATP Production |
|---|---|
| Glycolysis | 2 ATP |
| Fermentation | 0 ATP |
| Net ATP Yield | 2 ATP |
Therefore, the net ATP production in anaerobic respiration is only 2 ATP molecules per glucose molecule.
