- Requires oxygen (O2) as the final electron acceptor

- Takes place in the mitochondria

- More efficient, produces more ATP (36-38 ATP molecules)

- Complete breakdown of glucose

- Produces water (H2O) and carbon dioxide (CO2) as the end products

- Releases a large amount of energy at a constant rate

- Slower process

Anaerobic respiration:

- Does not require oxygen

- Occurs in the cytoplasm

- Less efficient, produces less ATP (2 ATP molecules)

- Partial breakdown of glucose

- Produces various end products such as lactic acid or alcohol, depending on the organism

- Releases lesser energy rapidly

- Faster process