Back to: MICROBIOLOGY 200 LEVEL
Welcome to class!
Hi superstar! It’s such a pleasure to have you here again. I love how you keep showing up, eager to learn and grow. Today, we’re going to talk about something very important in microbiology and life in general—Anaerobic vs. Aerobic Respiration. Whether it’s a bacteria in ogi, a runner catching their breath, or even your own body digesting food, this topic affects everyone. So let’s learn it together, the simple Nigerian way!
Anaerobic Vs. Aerobic Respiration
What is Respiration?
Respiration is how cells break down glucose (or other nutrients) to release energy. This energy is used for everything—movement, growth, repair, and staying alive.
There are two main types of respiration:
Aerobic respiration (with oxygen)
Anaerobic respiration (without oxygen)
Let’s understand each of them one by one.
Aerobic Respiration
This is the more common and efficient type of respiration. It needs oxygen to work.
Glucose + Oxygen → Carbon dioxide + Water + Energy (ATP)
It happens in most plants, animals, and many microbes.
The energy yield is high—about 36 to 38 ATP per glucose molecule.
Where does it happen?
Begins in the cytoplasm and finishes in the mitochondria (in eukaryotic cells).
In bacteria, the whole process happens in the cytoplasm and cell membrane.
Think of a generator running with fuel and air. If there’s plenty of oxygen (air), the gen runs smoothly and produces more electricity (ATP). That’s aerobic respiration.
Anaerobic Respiration
This type happens without oxygen. Some cells and microbes can still break down glucose, but they use something else (like nitrate or sulphate) instead of oxygen.
Glucose → Lactic acid or other products + Energy (ATP)
Found in some bacteria, yeast, and even human muscles during intense activity
Energy yield is low—only about 2 ATP per glucose
Where does it happen?
Entirely in the cytoplasm
During very intense football training, your leg muscles may not get enough oxygen. They switch to anaerobic respiration and produce lactic acid, which causes that burning feeling!
In microbes, anaerobic respiration is key for survival in low-oxygen environments like muddy rivers, deep soil, and inside packed ogi or garri sacks.
Summary
- Respiration is how cells get energy from food.
- Aerobic respiration uses oxygen and makes a lot of energy.
- Anaerobic respiration does not use oxygen and produces less energy.
- Both are useful depending on the organism and environment.
Evaluation
- What is the main difference between aerobic and anaerobic respiration?
- How many ATP molecules are produced in aerobic respiration?
- Give two examples of where anaerobic respiration can happen.
- What are the end products of aerobic respiration?
You’re doing absolutely great, my friend! Learning the differences between these types of respiration gives you power to understand how life works, from inside your body to the tiniest microbes in nature. Keep going—your future is bright, and Afrilearn is always here to guide you. See you in the next lesson, champion!