1.3.1

Aerobic & Anaerobic Respiration

Test yourself

Aerobic vs Anaerobic Respiration

Aerobic respiration is respiration in the presence of oxygen. Anaerobic respiration is respiration in the absence of oxygen.

Illustrative background for Aerobic respirationIllustrative background for Aerobic respiration ?? "content

Aerobic respiration

  • In aerobic respiration, oxygen combines with glucose to produce energy in the mitochondria of the cells. The word equation for this process is:
    • Glucose + oxygen → carbon dioxide + water (+ energy)
  • Aerobic respiration is ideal for endurance events because it has a moderate intensity that can be sustained over a period of time.
Illustrative background for Anaerobic respirationIllustrative background for Anaerobic respiration ?? "content

Anaerobic respiration

  • In anaerobic respiration, glucose is converted directly into energy. The word equation for this process is:
    • Glucose → lactic acid (+ energy).
  • However, this can only be sustained for a short period of time because of the build-up of toxic lactic acid and a limited supply of glucose.

Differences

The main difference between aerobic and anaerobic respiration is how intense they are.

Illustrative background for AerobicIllustrative background for Aerobic ?? "content

Aerobic

  • We need to inhale oxygen during aerobic respiration. This makes the respiration process longer and easier to keep up (moderate intensity).
Illustrative background for AnaerobicIllustrative background for Anaerobic ?? "content

Anaerobic

  • Anaerobic respiration is always accessible for converting glucose directly to energy. This makes it explosive (high intensity). However, this is not sustainable (easy to keep up).

Jump to other topics

1Applied Anatomy & Physiology

2Movement Analysis

3Physical Training

4The Principles of Training

5Using Data

6Sports Psychology

7Socio-cultural Influences

8Health & Fitness

Go student ad image

Unlock your full potential with GoStudent tutoring

  • Affordable 1:1 tutoring from the comfort of your home

  • Tutors are matched to your specific learning needs

  • 30+ school subjects covered

Book a free trial lesson