Anaerobic and aerobic respiration are two metabolic pathways of cellular respiration. The human body will use a combination of both anaerobic and aerobic respiratory functions depending on the specific energy requirement and the activity being completed. Efficiency may be relative to the amount of energy produced through respiration processes. Energy is produced by adenosine tri-phosphate, or ATP, production. Aerobic respiration uses oxygen to create ATP while anaerobic respiration does not need oxygen to create ATP.
Function
Anaerobic respiration is needed for high intensity activities lasting two minutes or less. Anaerobic training is done to increase efficiency in short distance or time-limited activities. The American Sports Medicine Institute suggests anaerobic training to improve anaerobic respiration. Anaerobic respiration is used when performance is not limited by oxygen availability. Aerobic respiration is needed for sustained activity. Aerobic respiration is used for lower-intensity, long-term exercise. Aerobic activity requires oxygen to produce energy. Anaerobic respiration can occur in the absence of oxygen and instead results in creatine phosphate and lactic acid productions.
Anaerobic vs Aerobic Exercise
Aerobic exercise is done with continuous contraction and repetitive movement of large muscle groups. The body demands an increase in oxygen to supply muscles with additional energy needs. Aerobic exercise gives off carbon dioxide and other waste. Aerobic exercise is easily maintained over an extended period of time. Anaerobic respiration is needed when energy needs are not being met by aerobic transport of oxygen. Anaerobic respiration is used for maximal activity usually lasting two minutes in duration. Anaerobic respiration cannot be sustained over time. A combination of anaerobic and aerobic activity is necessary for optimal fitness.
Aerobic Efficiency
Aerobic respiration is the metabolic process that involves break down of molecules using oxygen in energy production. According to K.N. Prestwich from the Department of Biology, College of the Holy Cross, aerobic respiration requires glucose and oxygen to create energy, carbon dioxide and water. The amount of energy produced per glucose molecule is 36 ATP. Aerobic respiration is very efficient when comparing ATP production and the elimination of carbon dioxide and water. Aerobic respiration will produce approximately 18 times the amount of energy as anaerobic per glucose molecule.
Anarebic Efficiency
Anaerobic respiration produces energy without oxygen. Anaerobic respiration only required glucose to produce ATP. Energy production through anaerobic respiration can occur through two different pathways. Glucose can be broken down into energy, alcohol and carbon dioxide or into energy and lactic acid. The creatine phosphate pathway is primarily used for activities under 30 seconds while activity lasting 30 seconds to two minutes primarily use the lactic acid pathway. Aerobic respiration produces two ATP per one molecule of glucose. Compared to aerobic respiration anaerobic respiration has a much lower energy yield.
Health Benefits of Aerobic Respiration
Aerobic respiration is used during continuous lower intensity and longer duration exercises. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, aerobic exercise strengthens your lungs and decreases the risk of heart disease. Benefits of aerobic exercise can be seen in as little as 30 minutes of activity a day several days a week. Common aerobic exercises include cycling, swimming, dance, walking and running.
Health Benefits of Anaerobic Respiration
According to the American Sports Medicine Institute, anaerobic training can improve strength, muscle mass and power. Heavy weightlifting, sprinting and interval training all incorporate anaerobic respiration.
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