Questions: What is a key difference between lactic acid production and cellular respiration?

The key difference between lactic acid production and cellular respiration lies in the presence of oxygen and the end products of each process.

The answer is: The key difference is the presence of oxygen and the end products.

Explanation:

1. Lactic Acid Production (Anaerobic Respiration):

   • Occurs in the absence of oxygen.
   • Pyruvate is converted into lactic acid.
   • NADH is oxidized to NAD⁺, which is reused in glycolysis.
   • Produces a small amount of ATP (2 ATP per glucose molecule).

2. Cellular Respiration (Aerobic Respiration):

   • Occurs in the presence of oxygen.
   • Pyruvate is further broken down in the mitochondria through the Krebs cycle and the electron transport chain.
   • Produces carbon dioxide and water as end products.
   • Produces a large amount of ATP (approximately 36-38 ATP per glucose molecule).

Summary: Lactic acid production occurs without oxygen and results in lactic acid and a small amount of ATP, while cellular respiration requires oxygen and produces carbon dioxide, water, and a significantly larger amount of ATP.