What is the primary difference between aerobic and anaerobic glucose breakdown in cells?

• A. Anaerobic breakdown requires oxygen and produces more ATP than aerobic breakdown.
• B. Aerobic breakdown occurs only in the cytoplasm, while anaerobic breakdown occurs in the mitochondria.
• C. Aerobic breakdown requires oxygen and produces more ATP than anaerobic breakdown.
• D. Anaerobic breakdown produces water and carbon dioxide as end products, while aerobic breakdown produces lactic acid.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the key terms. Aerobic breakdown refers to cellular respiration that requires oxygen, while anaerobic breakdown occurs in the absence of oxygen.
2. Step 2: Recall the location of these processes. Aerobic breakdown primarily occurs in the mitochondria, while anaerobic breakdown occurs in the cytoplasm.
3. Step 3: Compare ATP production. Aerobic breakdown is more efficient and produces significantly more ATP (approximately 36-38 ATP molecules per glucose molecule) compared to anaerobic breakdown (approximately 2 ATP molecules per glucose molecule).
4. Step 4: Identify the end products. Aerobic breakdown produces carbon dioxide (CO₂) and water (H₂O) as byproducts, while anaerobic breakdown produces lactic acid in animals or ethanol and carbon dioxide in some microorganisms.
5. Step 5: Clarify the role of oxygen. Aerobic breakdown requires oxygen as the final electron acceptor in the electron transport chain, whereas anaerobic breakdown does not involve oxygen and relies on alternative pathways like fermentation.