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Multiple Choice
Why is anaerobic respiration considered an inefficient process compared to aerobic respiration?
A
It requires more oxygen to generate ATP.
B
It occurs only in the mitochondria of eukaryotic cells.
C
It completely oxidizes glucose to carbon dioxide and water.
D
It produces much less ATP per glucose molecule than aerobic respiration.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the difference between aerobic and anaerobic respiration: Aerobic respiration uses oxygen to completely oxidize glucose into carbon dioxide and water, producing a high yield of ATP. Anaerobic respiration occurs without oxygen and results in incomplete oxidation of glucose, producing less ATP.
Recall the ATP yield for each process: Aerobic respiration generates approximately 36-38 ATP molecules per glucose molecule, while anaerobic respiration typically produces only 2 ATP molecules per glucose molecule.
Analyze why anaerobic respiration is less efficient: Without oxygen, the electron transport chain in the mitochondria cannot function, and the cell relies on glycolysis alone for ATP production, which is a less efficient pathway.
Consider the byproducts: Aerobic respiration produces carbon dioxide and water as byproducts, while anaerobic respiration produces substances like lactic acid or ethanol, depending on the organism, which indicates incomplete glucose breakdown.
Conclude that anaerobic respiration is inefficient because it produces significantly less ATP per glucose molecule compared to aerobic respiration, which fully oxidizes glucose and utilizes the electron transport chain for maximum energy production.