Anaerobic respiration

Cells can release energy from nutrient molecules without using oxygen. They do this through a series of chemical reactions called anaerobic respiration. The released energy can be used by the cell.

Anaerobic respiration releases much less energy per glucose molecule than aerobic respiration, which uses oxygen. The products of anaerobic respiration depend on the cells involved.

Anaerobic respiration in yeast

In yeast cells, glucose is broken down to produce alcohol and carbon dioxide:

Anaerobic respiration in muscles

During vigorous exercise, muscle cells can release energy from glucose by anaerobic respiration. In these cells, glucose is broken down to produce lactic acid: