Anaerobic Respiration - GCSE Biology Definition

Anaerobic respiration is a type of respiration that happens without oxygen. It allows cells to produce energy when oxygen is not available. In animals, it produces lactic acid as a by-product, while in plants and yeast it produces ethanol and carbon dioxide. Anaerobic respiration releases less energy than aerobic respiration but is important during activities like intense exercise when oxygen cannot reach the muscles fast enough. It also helps some organisms survive in environments where oxygen is limited. Understanding anaerobic respiration in GCSE Biology helps explain how organisms survive and produce energy in diverse environments.