Chapter 5, Problem 1TMW

How can oxidation take place in an anaerobic environment, that is, without oxygen?

Summary Introduction

To tell:

In what way oxidation occurs in an anaerobic condition (absence of oxygen).

Introduction:

Anaerobic respiration is respiration that yields energy during the non-existence of oxygen. It utilizes electron acceptors rather than molecular oxygen. Anaerobic respiration is used when there is an absence of oxygen for respiration. Anaerobic organisms carry out the anaerobic respiration process by consuming inorganic chemicals rather than oxygen, as the final electron acceptor.

Explanation of Solution

Maximum ATP is produced by cellular respiration, which is done by oxidative phosphorylation. Human ATP needs are fulfilled by aerobic respiration, which is reliant on a sufficient supply of oxygen to the cell. The absence of electronegative oxygen (to attract the electrons down the transport chain) leads to termination of the oxidative phosphorylation. Fermentation and the anaerobic respiration are the two mechanisms by which cells produce ATP in the absence of oxygen. The common difference between these two mechanisms is the electron transport chain, which is applied in anaerobic respiration.

Conclusion

Anaerobic respiration and oxidative phosphorylation are the two mechanisms which are used under the anaerobic condition to generate energy.