What can be produced by cells that use glucose anaerobically?

• A. Acetyl-CoA
• B. Oxygen
• C. Lactic acid
• D. Carbon dioxide and water

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that anaerobic respiration occurs in the absence of oxygen and is a way for cells to produce energy from glucose.
2. Recall that in anaerobic conditions, cells convert glucose into pyruvate through glycolysis, which is the first step in both aerobic and anaerobic respiration.
3. Recognize that in the absence of oxygen, pyruvate is not converted into Acetyl-CoA for entry into the Krebs cycle. Instead, it undergoes fermentation.
4. Identify that in animal cells, pyruvate is converted into lactic acid during lactic acid fermentation, which allows glycolysis to continue by regenerating NAD+.
5. Conclude that lactic acid is the primary product of anaerobic respiration in animal cells, while carbon dioxide and water are products of aerobic respiration, and Acetyl-CoA is an intermediate in aerobic pathways.