How does anaerobic respiration in yeast actually work?

Anaerobic respiration happens when there isn't enough Oxygen available for Oxidative Phosphorylation to occur. Without Oxidative Phosphorylation, ATP synthesis occuring across the inner mitochondrial membrane stops, as does ATP synthesis in the Krebs cycle. Therefore, in order to meet it;s energy demands, the yeast uses anaerobic respiration to keep Glycolysis going, yielding 4 ATP molecules (Net: 2) per Glucose molecule converted to Pyruvate.

It works by allowing by allowing NADH to dump it's hydrogen, allowing it to reform NAD, which is again used to oxidise glucose to pyruvate, yielding ATP. I think this is best illustrated diagramatically.

RV
Answered by Raqib V. Biology tutor

8026 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

What is the difference between the Parasympathetic Nervous System and the Sympathetic Nervous System?


Can you explain the different types of protein structure? (primary, secondary, tertiary and quaternary)


Describe the structure of glycogen and explain why it is a suitable molecule to store energy.


What is the difference between a prokaryotic cell and a eukaryotic cell?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning