Why is aerobic respiration more efficient?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking for an explanation of the reasons why aerobic respiration is considered more efficient compared to other types of respiration, focusing on the biochemical processes and energy yield involved.
Answer
Aerobic respiration can produce up to 38 ATP molecules per glucose molecule while anaerobic respiration produces only 2 ATP molecules.
The final answer is that aerobic respiration is more efficient because it produces up to 38 ATP molecules per glucose molecule compared to 2 ATP molecules produced by anaerobic respiration.
Answer for screen readers
The final answer is that aerobic respiration is more efficient because it produces up to 38 ATP molecules per glucose molecule compared to 2 ATP molecules produced by anaerobic respiration.
More Information
Aerobic respiration uses oxygen to fully break down glucose, allowing for complete oxidation and more ATP production compared to anaerobic respiration, which only partially breaks down glucose due to the lack of oxygen.
Tips
A common mistake is confusing the efficiency of aerobic and anaerobic respiration due to the faster process of anaerobic respiration despite its lower ATP yield.
Sources
- Overview of Cellular Respiration - openoregon.pressbooks.pub
- 2.31: Anaerobic and Aerobic Respiration - Biology LibreTexts - bio.libretexts.org
- Why is aerobic respiration more efficient than anaerobic respiration? - homework.study.com
