Which of the following best describes anaerobic respiration?

• A. A process that stores energy in the form of glucose molecules.
• B. A process that uses oxygen to completely break down glucose into carbon dioxide and water.
• C. A process that occurs in the absence of oxygen and produces energy by breaking down glucose into lactic acid or ethanol.
• D. A process that only occurs in plant cells during photosynthesis.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Begin by understanding the term 'anaerobic respiration.' Anaerobic respiration is a biological process in which cells generate energy without the use of oxygen. This is in contrast to aerobic respiration, which requires oxygen.
2. Step 2: Analyze the options provided in the question. Option A describes a process that stores energy in glucose molecules, which is related to photosynthesis, not anaerobic respiration. Option B describes aerobic respiration, which involves oxygen. Option D refers to photosynthesis, which is specific to plant cells and not related to anaerobic respiration.
3. Step 3: Focus on the correct option, which states that anaerobic respiration occurs in the absence of oxygen and produces energy by breaking down glucose into lactic acid (in animals) or ethanol and carbon dioxide (in yeast and some microorganisms). This aligns with the definition of anaerobic respiration.
4. Step 4: Recall the two main types of anaerobic respiration: lactic acid fermentation (occurs in animal cells) and alcoholic fermentation (occurs in yeast and some microorganisms). Both processes generate ATP (energy) but do not require oxygen.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the correct answer is the option describing anaerobic respiration as a process that occurs in the absence of oxygen and produces energy by breaking down glucose into lactic acid or ethanol.