What is anaerobic respiration?

Anaerobic respiration is a biochemical process that takes place in the absence of oxygen. During this process, cells convert glucose into energy, which is used to power various cellular functions. As a byproduct, lactic acid is often produced, particularly in muscle cells during intense exercise when oxygen is limited. This process is crucial for organisms that may not always have access to oxygen or for activities that require quick bursts of energy.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately describe anaerobic respiration. The presence of oxygen in energy production corresponds to aerobic respiration, which is a different mechanism. Converting glucose into fat relates to metabolic pathways involved in energy storage rather than energy production. Lastly, cell division is a completely separate biological process known as mitosis, which is unrelated to respiration. Understanding anaerobic respiration is important for comprehending how cells generate energy under different conditions, contributing to overall physiological knowledge.