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

8086 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

What is the founder effect? How can it influence the genetic profile of a population?


What is the difference between transcription and translation?


What are the possible effects of complete kidney failure on the blood?


Explain how ATP is generated from reduced NAD and reduced FAD via the electron transport chain?


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