Why is it better for human cells to produce energy through aerobic respiration than through anaerobic respiration?

Answer 1

because oxygen is required to make atp, which creates energy for the cell to function.

In anaerobic conditions oxygen is limited, so the have to create lactic acid to create energy. It is not as efficient and as the lactic acid builds up the muscles become sore. That is why your body hurts after vigorous exercise.

Answer 2

It is simply because the environment is oxidising. All living organisms require ATP as source of energy. Energy stored in the ATP is used for accomplishing various biological function. The ATP is generated from the readily oxidised carbon sources that the organism takes. The conversion of carbon sources to ATP requires some oxidising agent. The concentration of oxygen present in the environment is suitable for it to be used as oxidising agent.

Answer 3

This has to be explained from glucose metabolism. In anaerobic glycoysis, degradation of a molecule of glucose produces 2 molecules of lactate + 2 hydrogen ions (2H+) + 2 molecules of water (2H2O) + 2 molecules of ATP (2ATP).

On the other hand, the aerobic degradation of glucose generates 6 molecules of CO2 (6CO2) + 44 molecules of water (44H2O) + 38 molecules of ATP (38ATP). If we check carefuly we note that those 38 ATP molecules come from: 3 ATP molecules from each of the 10 NADH molecules generated per each glucose molecule oxidized, 2 ATPs for each 2 FADH2 molecules generated, 2 ATPs produced in the glycolisis steps and 2 GTP - 2 ATP produced in the citric acid cycle.

Therefore, aerobic metabolism is 19 times more efficient than anaerobic glycolisis in ATP production.

Answer 4

Our cells need much more energy than the 2 ATP that anaerobic respiration will give. Our cells need those 36 ATP. Try holding your nose for a long time. You can not because you need the ATP that oxygen will provide.