Anaerobic respiration does not require oxygen and produces which of the following?

Anaerobic respiration is a process that occurs in the absence of oxygen, allowing organisms to produce energy through alternative metabolic pathways. During this process, glucose or other organic molecules are partially broken down to generate energy, resulting in byproducts that can vary based on the specific type of anaerobic fermentation taking place.

The correct answer indicates that anaerobic respiration produces lactic acid or ethanol. In animals, such as humans, when oxygen levels are low, glucose is converted into lactic acid through lactic acid fermentation. This type of anaerobic process is vital during intense exercise when oxygen supply to muscles is insufficient.

In yeast and some bacteria, anaerobic respiration leads to the production of ethanol and carbon dioxide through alcoholic fermentation. This is the basis for processes like brewing and baking. Therefore, the presence of both lactic acid and ethanol as end products is characteristic of the anaerobic pathways seen in various organisms, making the answer accurate.

This choice encompasses the diversity of anaerobic respiration across different organisms, which can produce either of these metabolic products depending on their specific fermentation pathways.