How does aerobic and anaerobic respiration compare in yeast?

1 Answer

Yeast can carry out both anaerobic respiration (fermentation) and aerobic respiration. Both produce carbon dioxide, fermentation produces a much lower amount of ATP. Fermentation produces ethanol.

Explanation:

Fermentation - produces a net of 2 ATP (from glycolosis), ethanol and carbon dioxide.

Aerobic respiration - produces 36-38 ATP, carbon dioxide and water.

Here is a video which shows an experiment using yeast fermenting a solution of sugar water. Yeast cells can carry out either fermentation or aerobic respiration depending on environmental conditions.

Here is a video which summarizes both aerobic and anaerobic respiration.

Both videos from: Noel Pauller

Hope this helps!