Both processes release energy from glucose, but they differ in oxygen use, products, and efficiency.

Comparison

• Aerobic respiration: Needs oxygen, occurs in mitochondria, makes 36–38 ATP, products = CO₂ + H₂O.
• Anaerobic respiration: No oxygen, occurs in cytoplasm, makes only 2 ATP, products vary (lactic acid in animals, ethanol + CO₂ in yeast).

Aerobic respiration is preferred because it releases much more energy.