Glucose is the main molecule used for respiration and is given the name of 'main respiratory substrate'. It is the main respiratory substrate in both aerobic and anaerobic respiration processes. Aerobic respiration oxygen present? yesglucose oxidation- complete oxidation products- carbon dioxide and water energy released- lots of energy released where does this process happen? in the mitochondria equation- glucose + oxygen --> carbon dioxide + water + energy released Anaerobic respiration oxygen present? noglucose oxidation- incomplete oxidation.products- mammals- lactic acid yeast and some plants- ethanol and carbon dioxide energy released- small amount very quickly. where does this process happen? in the cytoplasm equation- glucose --> lactic acid + energy released glucose --> ethanol + Carbon dioxide + energy released