Anaerobic Respiration

aka fermentation

used by organisms that lack the enzymes necessary to utilize O2

other organisms are aerobic but revert to anaerobic respiration if O2 is not available

"splitting sugar"

involves a series of 10 chemical reactions which break glucose (6-carbon sugar) into 2 molecules of pyruvate (3-carbon sugar)

glucose is a very stable molecule 

glycolysis requires an investment of 2 ATP molecules to get the process started

2 ATP molecules are invested to start glycolysis

4 ATP molecules are produced

Net gain = 2 ATP molecules

2 ATP + C6H12O6 →  2 pyruvate + 4 ATP

Cell respiration stops with glycolysis

2 ATP + C6H12O6 →  2 pyruvate + 4 ATP

used in dairy industry to manufacture cheese, butter, sour cream and yogurt (produces sharp or sour taste)

also used to produce soy sauce from soybeans, to pickle cucumbers, and to produce sausage, pepperoni, and salami

Lactic acid is produced

associated with muscle soreness and fatigue

used by brewing and baking industries