why is anaerobic cellular respiration so much less efficient the aerobic respiration?
The electron transport chain creates a hydrogen ion gradient outside of the mitochondrial membrane (where it takes place). This gradient is used to power ATPsynthase, the enzyme that creates ATP. It can make about 32 ATP per glucose molecule (the number varies slightly depending on the source).
The Short Answer
The electron transport chain creates a hydrogen ion gradient outside of the mitochondrial membrane (where it takes place). This gradient is used to power ATPsynthase, the enzyme that creates ATP. It can make about 32 ATP per glucose molecule (the number varies slightly depending on the source). Anaerobic respiration, which goes from glycolysis to either ethanol or lactic acid fermentaion, only produces the ATP from glycolysis (net gain of 2 if I remember correctly). So you get about 32 ATP per glucose with aerobic, or 2 ATP per glucose with anaerobic.
Analysis
Key Concepts: Glucose, creates, gradient
This explanation focuses on glucose, creates, gradient and spans 87 words across 5 sentences. At 21% above the average Biology explanation (72 words), this is one of the more thorough answers in this category, reflecting the complexity of the underlying question.
What This Answer Covers
The explanation opens with: “The electron transport chain creates a hydrogen ion gradient outside of the mitochondrial membrane (where it takes place” It then elaboratesultimately building toward a complete picture across 5 connected points.
How This Compares in Biology
Ranked #169 of 500 Biology questions by answer depth (top 35%). This falls in the detailed tier — above average depth. The explanation goes beyond surface-level but keeps things accessible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a simple explanation for why anaerobic cellular respiration so much less efficient the aerobic respiration?
The electron transport chain creates a hydrogen ion gradient outside of the mitochondrial membrane (where it takes place). This gradient is used to power ATPsynthase, the enzyme that creates ATP. It can make about 32 ATP per glucose molecule (the…
How detailed is this explanation compared to similar Biology questions?
This is an above-average answer at 87 words, ranked #169 of 500 Biology questions by depth. The key concepts covered are glucose, creates, gradient.
What approach does this answer take to explain anaerobic cellular respiration so much less efficient the ae?
The explanation uses direct explanation across 87 words. It is categorized under Biology and addresses the question through 1 analytical lens.