Aerobic respiration Anaerobic respiration 1. It takes place in the presence of oxygen. 1. It takes place in the absence of oxygen. 2. Complete breakdown of food occurs in aerobic respiration. 2. Partial breakdown of food occurs in anaerobic respiration. 3. The end products in aerobic respiration are carbon dioxide and water. 3. The end products in anaerobic respiration may be ethanol and carbon dioxide (as in yeast plants) or lactic acid (as in animal muscles). 4. Aerobic respiration produces a considerable amount of energy. 4. Much less energy is produced in anaerobic respiration. Some organisms which use anaerobic respiration are yeast, bacteria etc.