Anaerobic respiration in living organisms/ cells :
- Some organisms cannot live in presence of oxygen.
- Ex. Many bacteria.
- Such living organisms have to perform anaerobic respiration for energy production.
- Glycolysis and fermentation are two steps of anaerobic respiration.
- Glucose is incompletely oxidized and less amount of energy is obtained in this type of respiration.
- Pyruvic acid produced through glycolysis is converted into other organic acids or alcohol with the help of some enzymes in this process. This is called as fermentation.
- Some higher plants, animals and aerobic microorganisms also perform anaerobic respiration instead of aerobic respiration if there is depletion in oxygen level in the surrounding.
- Ex. Seeds perform anaerobic respiration if the soil is submerged under water during germination.
- Similarly, our muscle cells also perform anaerobic respiration while performing the exercise.
- Due to this, less amount of energy is produced in our body and lactic acid accumulates due to which we feel tired.