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Multiple Choice
Why is anaerobic respiration considered less efficient than aerobic respiration?
A
Anaerobic respiration generates more carbon dioxide than aerobic respiration.
B
Anaerobic respiration produces less ATP per glucose molecule compared to aerobic respiration.
C
Anaerobic respiration requires more oxygen than aerobic respiration.
D
Anaerobic respiration occurs only in the mitochondria, unlike aerobic respiration.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the basic difference between aerobic and anaerobic respiration: Aerobic respiration requires oxygen and occurs in the mitochondria, while anaerobic respiration does not require oxygen and occurs in the cytoplasm.
Recognize that the main goal of both types of respiration is to produce ATP, which is the energy currency of the cell.
In aerobic respiration, glucose is fully oxidized to carbon dioxide and water, producing a large amount of ATP (approximately 36-38 ATP molecules per glucose molecule).
In anaerobic respiration, glucose is only partially broken down, resulting in the production of less ATP (only about 2 ATP molecules per glucose molecule).
Conclude that anaerobic respiration is considered less efficient than aerobic respiration because it produces significantly less ATP per glucose molecule, which is the primary reason for its lower efficiency.