How to Differentiate Between Aerobic & Anaerobic Respiration

A person running

Aerobic and anaerobic respiration are two types of breathing that we use everyday. Aerobic respiration requires oxygen where anaerobic respiration does not. Aerobic respiration requires oxygen to feed human cells. Plants also use aerobic respiration to produce a biochemical energy by using the oxygen to break down cells and producing energy that releases electrons. Anaerobic respiration occurs when oxygen is not available. Humans use this type of respiration after a strenuous exercise routine which occurs in the muscles. Anaerobic bacteria use anaerobic cellular respiration as their main production of energy. Although both types of respiration are very different, they are both needed for the essential function of life. It is not difficult to differentiate between the two types of respiration if you know what to look for.

Instructions

1. Perform a physical activity, such as running.

2. Evaluate the way you are breathing while you are running. The way you are breathing is called aerobic respiration. This metabolic process converts one glucose molecule to 38 ATP (energy) molecules. This is why you can continue running for long periods of time at a steady pace.

3. Increase your pace from running to sprinting. You should only be able to sprint for a short distance.

4. Evaluate the way you are breathing. They way you are breathing is called anaerobic respiration. This process is called lactate fermentation. Two molecules of ATP (energy) are produced for every one molecule of glucose used. Since you are producing less energy, your body begins to get tired.

5. Evaluate how your body feels. Once you started sprinting, your body started taking in less oxygen. When you don't take in enough oxygen, the oxygen cannot break down completely. When this occurs, lactic acid forms (lactate fermentation) and the muscles in your body begin to feel pain.

6. Steady your breathing to catch your breath. Once your oxygen levels increase, the lactic acid is no longer being formed and the oxygen is converted into more energy again.

References

• Gondar Design Science: Aerobic Respiration