# Explain why aerobic respiration releases more energy than anaerobic respiration.

> WJEC GCSE Biology (Wales) — 1.2.1 Aerobic and anaerobic respiration · Explain · 4 marks

> Athletes training at high intensity may switch from aerobic to anaerobic respiration when oxygen supply to their muscles becomes insufficient.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Aerobic respiration completely breaks down / fully oxidises glucose
2. Anaerobic respiration only partially breaks down glucose / glucose is not completely broken down
3. The products of anaerobic respiration (lactic acid) still contain chemical energy / energy remains stored in lactic acid
4. Aerobic respiration requires oxygen (to fully oxidise glucose) whereas anaerobic respiration does not use oxygen

## Key terms

- [aerobic respiration](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/aerobic-respiration)
- [anaerobic respiration](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/anaerobic-respiration)

## Related

- [Revision notes for WJEC GCSE Biology (Wales)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-why-aerobic-respiration-releases-more-ce7c2e51) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.