Write down the difference between aerobic respiration and anaerobic respiration in humans, and explain the process and elimination of the 'oxygen debt' . (6 marks)

Aerobic respiration requires oxygen, anaerobic respiration does not.

In aerobic respiration glucose and oxygen react together in cells to produce carbon dioxide and water and energy. In particular this occurs in mitochondria of cells.

In anaerobic respiration glucose is broken down incompletely to produce lactic acid and energy relatively quickly. In particular this occurs in the cytoplasm of cells.

Oxygen debt is the additional oxygen that must be taken into the body after exercise, to restore all systems to their normal states by oxidising the lactic acid.

JM
Answered by Jas M. Biology tutor

12846 Views

See similar Biology GCSE tutors

Related Biology GCSE answers

All answers ▸

What is the difference between aerobic and anaerobic respiration?


Why do energy and biomass decrease at successive stages of the foodchain?


Name two features of a plant cell that are not found in animal cells


Emphysema is a disease affecting the lungs. People with emphysema are often short of breath and find exercise difficult. Explain what happens to the lungs in this disease to cause the symptoms mentioned.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning