Anaerobic respiration

Definition

Anaerobic respiration is a type of cellular respiration that occurs in the absence of oxygen, using other electron acceptors to produce energy. This process is essential for certain microorganisms in oxygen-depleted environments.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Anaerobic respiration uses molecules like nitrate, sulfate, or carbon dioxide as final electron acceptors instead of oxygen.
2. It produces less ATP compared to aerobic respiration due to the incomplete oxidation of glucose.
3. Fermentation is a common form of anaerobic respiration where organic compounds are both the electron donors and acceptors.
4. Many pathogenic bacteria rely on anaerobic respiration to survive in host tissues where oxygen levels are low.
5. Anaerobic respiration plays a crucial role in biogeochemical cycles, such as nitrogen and sulfur cycles, by recycling essential elements.

Review Questions

• What are some alternative electron acceptors used in anaerobic respiration?
• Why does anaerobic respiration produce less ATP compared to aerobic respiration?
• How does anaerobic respiration contribute to biogeochemical cycles?

Related terms

Fermentation:

A metabolic process that produces chemical changes in organic substrates through the action of enzymes.

Electron Transport Chain (ETC): A series of protein complexes that transfer electrons through a membrane within mitochondria to form a gradient of protons that drives ATP production.

Biogeochemical Cycles:

Natural processes that recycle nutrients in various chemical forms from the environment to organisms and back again.