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

9759 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

What are the 4 stages of aerobic respiration?


Explain the transmission of nerve impulses across a cholinergic synapse


Explain the process of aerobic respiration in animals


What is the function of the Mitochondria in a cell within an organism?


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:

© 2025 by IXL Learning