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