Describe anaerobic respiration.

Explanation

(i) Some organisms cannot live in presence of oxygen . E.g. Many bacteria.
(ii) Such living organisms have to perform anaerobic respiration for energy production.
(iii) Glucose is incompletely oxidised and less amount of energy is obtained in anaerobic respiration.
(iv) Glycolysis and fermentation are two steps of anaerobic respiration.
(v) Pyruvic acid produced through glycolysis is converted into other organic acids or alcohol with the help of some enzymes. This is called as fermentation.
(vi) Some higher plants, animals and aerobic microorganisms also perform anaerobic respiration if there is depletion of oxygen level in the surrounding.
(vii) Example: Seeds perform anaerobic respiration if the soil is submerged under water during germination .
(viii) Similarly, our muscle cells also perform anaerobic respiration while performing the exercise.
(ix) Due to this less amount of energy is produced in our body and lactic acid accunulates in the muscles due to which we feel tired.