Aerobic Respiration vs. Fermentation — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Published on October 6, 2023
Aerobic Respiration uses oxygen to produce energy from glucose, releasing CO2 and water, while Fermentation occurs without oxygen, producing energy and often alcohol or lactic acid.
Difference Between Aerobic Respiration and Fermentation
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Aerobic Respiration is vital for sustained activities and overall cell function. Fermentation is exploited in food and drink production, like in brewing beer or making yogurt.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 06, 2023
Aerobic Respiration is the process cells undertake to convert glucose into energy in the presence of oxygen, whereas Fermentation is an anaerobic process that produces energy without using oxygen.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 06, 2023
Aerobic Respiration primarily occurs in the mitochondria of cells. Fermentation, however, takes place in the cell's cytoplasm.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 06, 2023
In Aerobic Respiration, glucose is fully broken down, resulting in a larger amount of energy, carbon dioxide, and water. On the other hand, Fermentation partially breaks down glucose, leading to less energy and by-products like alcohol or lactic acid.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 06, 2023
Most multicellular organisms, including humans, rely on Aerobic Respiration for energy. In contrast, Fermentation is common in bacteria, yeast, and muscle cells under low oxygen conditions.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 06, 2023
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Comparison Chart
By-products
Carbon dioxide and water
Alcohol, lactic acid, or other compounds
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Oct 06, 2023
Amount of Energy Produced
High (up to 36 ATP molecules per glucose)
Low (2 ATP molecules per glucose)
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Oct 06, 2023
Typical Organisms
Most multicellular organisms
Bacteria, yeast, muscle cells in low oxygen
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Oct 06, 2023
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Definitions
Aerobic Respiration
Converts glucose to ATP in the presence of oxygen.
Aerobic Respiration is a vital process for multicellular organisms.
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Oct 03, 2023
Fermentation
Converts sugars to energy, alcohol, or acids.
Beer brewing relies on the Fermentation of sugars into alcohol.
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Oct 03, 2023
Aerobic Respiration
Occurs mainly in the mitochondria.
The mitochondria are often called the powerhouses due to their role in Aerobic Respiration.
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Oct 03, 2023
Fermentation
Commonly occurs in bacteria, yeast, and certain muscle cells.
When muscles lack oxygen, they resort to Fermentation for energy.
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Oct 03, 2023
Aerobic Respiration
A cellular process using oxygen to produce energy.
During exercise, our cells increase Aerobic Respiration to meet energy demands.
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Oct 03, 2023
Fermentation
An anaerobic process producing energy without oxygen.
Yeast performs Fermentation, leading to bread rising.
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Aerobic Respiration
Produces carbon dioxide and water as by-products.
Plants intake the CO2 released from Aerobic Respiration for photosynthesis.
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Fermentation
Takes place in the cell's cytoplasm.
Unlike other processes, Fermentation doesn't utilize the mitochondria.
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Oct 03, 2023
Aerobic Respiration
Supports sustained activities and overall cell functions.
To support her marathon running, her cells relied heavily on Aerobic Respiration.
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Oct 03, 2023
Fermentation
Any of a group of chemical reactions induced by microorganisms or enzymes that split complex organic compounds into relatively simple substances, especially the anaerobic conversion of sugar to carbon dioxide and alcohol by yeast.
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Oct 02, 2023
Fermentation
(biochemistry) Any of many anaerobic biochemical reactions in which an enzyme (or several enzymes produced by a microorganism) catalyses the conversion of one substance into another; especially the conversion (using yeast) of sugars to alcohol or acetic acid with the evolution of carbon dioxide
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Oct 02, 2023
Fermentation
The process of undergoing an effervescent change, as by the action of yeast;
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Fermentation
A state of agitation or excitement, as of the intellect or the feelings.
It puts the soul to fermentation and activity.
A univesal fermentation of human thought and faith.
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Oct 02, 2023
Fermentation
A process in which an agent causes an organic substance to break down into simpler substances; especially, the anaerobic breakdown of sugar into alcohol
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Oct 02, 2023
Fermentation
A state of agitation or turbulent change or development;
The political ferment produced a new leadership
Social unrest
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Fermentation
A chemical phenomenon in which an organic molecule splits into simpler substances
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Oct 02, 2023
Fermentation
Used in various food and beverage production processes.
The tangy taste in yogurt is due to the lactic acid produced during Fermentation.
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Oct 03, 2023
FAQs
Where does Aerobic Respiration occur in the cell?
Aerobic Respiration primarily happens in the mitochondria.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 06, 2023
What is Aerobic Respiration?
Aerobic Respiration is a cellular process converting glucose to energy using oxygen.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 06, 2023
Is bread-making an example of Fermentation?
Yes, yeast in bread dough undergoes Fermentation, producing CO2, which makes the bread rise.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 06, 2023
How does Fermentation differ from Aerobic Respiration?
Fermentation is an anaerobic process producing energy without oxygen, often yielding alcohol or lactic acid.
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Oct 06, 2023
Why do our muscles ache after intense exercise?
This can result from lactic acid buildup, a by-product of Fermentation when muscles don't receive enough oxygen.
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Oct 06, 2023
Which produces more energy, Aerobic Respiration or Fermentation?
Aerobic Respiration produces more energy compared to Fermentation.
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Oct 06, 2023
Is Aerobic Respiration only found in animals?
No, Aerobic Respiration occurs in most multicellular organisms, including plants.
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Oct 06, 2023
Is oxygen essential for Fermentation?
No, Fermentation is anaerobic and doesn't require oxygen.
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Oct 06, 2023
Can humans undergo Fermentation?
Yes, human muscle cells can resort to Fermentation under low oxygen conditions, producing lactic acid.
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Oct 06, 2023
Why do brewers use Fermentation?
Brewers use Fermentation to convert sugars into alcohol in beverages like beer.
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What are the main by-products of Fermentation?
Common by-products include alcohol, lactic acid, or other organic acids.
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Oct 06, 2023
How do plants benefit from Aerobic Respiration?
Plants use the carbon dioxide produced from Aerobic Respiration for photosynthesis.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 06, 2023
Can Aerobic Respiration occur without mitochondria?
No, the primary site for Aerobic Respiration is the mitochondria in cells.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 06, 2023
Is yogurt a product of Fermentation?
Yes, the production of yogurt involves bacterial Fermentation, converting sugars to lactic acid.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 06, 2023
Which process is faster, Aerobic Respiration or Fermentation?
While Fermentation can produce energy quickly, Aerobic Respiration provides a more sustained energy release.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 06, 2023
Author Spotlight
Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
