Anaerobic

Definition

Anaerobic processes occur without the presence of oxygen. These processes are essential in certain cellular respiration pathways, such as glycolysis.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Anaerobic glycolysis occurs in the cytoplasm of cells.
2. During anaerobic glycolysis, glucose is converted into pyruvate, producing ATP and NADH.
3. In the absence of oxygen, pyruvate is often converted to lactate in animal cells or ethanol in yeast cells.
4. Anaerobic conditions can lead to less efficient ATP production compared to aerobic respiration.
5. Fermentation is a common anaerobic process that regenerates NAD+ from NADH, allowing glycolysis to continue.

Review Questions

• Where does anaerobic glycolysis take place within a cell?
• What are the end products of anaerobic glycolysis in muscle cells?
• How does fermentation support continued ATP production during anaerobic respiration?

Related terms

Glycolysis:

A metabolic pathway that converts glucose into pyruvate, generating ATP and NADH.

Fermentation: An anaerobic process that allows for the regeneration of NAD+ by converting pyruvate into lactate or ethanol.

ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate): The primary energy carrier in cells, produced during both aerobic and anaerobic respiration.