Why does anaerobic respiration have a lower ATP yield than aerobic respiration? (4 marks)

During anaerobic respiration only glycolysis can occur as oxygen is not present to act as the final electron acceptor in oxidative phosphorylation, therefore only substrate level phosphorylation can occur. In order for glycolysis to continue, in animal cells, pyruvate is is reduced so NADH becomes NAD allowing glycolysis to continue which provides 2 ATP and keeps the cell alive until areobic respiration resumes.

AD
Answered by Amy D. Biology tutor

10796 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

Describe how oxygen in the air reaches capillaries surrounding alveoli in the lungs?


How does a transmembrane protein transport a molecule against the concentration gradient (2)


How may nitrate from fertiliser entering lakes cause the death of fish in fresh water?


How does the electron transport chain operate during respiration?


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