Describe the Process of Anaerobic Respiration

In this worksheet, students will describe the process and uses of anaerobic respiration.

Key stage: KS 4

Year: GCSE

GCSE Subjects: Biology: Single Subject, Biology: Combined Science, Life and Environmental Sciences,

GCSE Boards: AQA, AQA Trilogy, OCR 21st Century, OCR Gateway, Pearson Edexcel, AQA Synergy,

Curriculum topic: Bioenergetics, Using Food and Controlling Growth, Cell Level Systems, Exchange and Transport in Animals, Transport Over Larger Distances

Curriculum subtopic: Respiration What Happens During Cellular Respiration? Exchange and Transport in Animals Systems in the Human Body

Difficulty level:

---- OR ---- Preview Activity

Worksheet Overview

Did you know that Usain Bolt is currently the fastest sprinter in the world? He ran 100 metres in a record 9.58 seconds!

Image of athletes running

In order to do this, Usain Bolt’s muscles need to respire super quick. He needs all that energy to sprint so fast. But his body can’t keep up with these demands - it can’t respire fast enough. This is where anaerobic respiration steps in.

Image of females exercising

Anaerobic respiration is where glucose breaks down but without oxygen. Energy is released, but not as much as in aerobic respiration. Lactic acid is produced instead of carbon dioxide and water. Lactic acid can cause painful cramps - something we feel in our muscles that stops us from carrying on. To get rid of the lactic acid, the person must breathe in deeply in order to get a good supply of oxygen. You have to keep breathing hard for a while after you stop exercising in order to get oxygen into your muscles. This will convert the painful lactic acid which has built up into harmless carbon dioxide and water. The amount of oxygen needed to do this is called the oxygen debt.

Anaerobic respiration can be represented by the word and symbol equation:

glucose → lactic acid

C₆H₁₂0₆ → 2C₃H₆O₃

The reactant in anaerobic respiration is glucose. The product is lactic acid. A small amount of energy is also released.

Anaerobic respiration occurs in the cytoplasm of the cell rather than the mitochondria, as in aerobic respiration.

Plants can also respire anaerobically. However, they don't produce lactic acid. Glucose is broken down into ethanol and carbon dioxide.

Image of plant and animal cell

Uses of anaerobic respiration

Image of alcohol

Yeast is a fungus that can respire anaerobically. It has many uses - the most common use is in bread making and alcohol brewing. Yeast will respire anaerobically, releasing alcohol and carbon dioxide. The carbon dioxide helps bread to rise, giving it its fluffy texture. This process is also known as fermentation.

glucose → alcohol + carbon dioxide

C₆H₁₂_O₆ → 2C₂H₅OH + 2CO₂

Image of bread made with yeast

In the following activity, you will describe the process and uses of anaerobic respiration.

---- OR ----

Preview activity

What is EdPlace?

We're your National Curriculum aligned online education content provider helping each child succeed in English, maths and science from year 1 to GCSE. With an EdPlace account you’ll be able to track and measure progress, helping each child achieve their best. We build confidence and attainment by personalising each child’s learning at a level that suits them.

Get started