An anaerobic organism or anaerobe is any organism that does not require oxygen.
Obligate anaerobes will die when exposed to oxygen, while facultative anaerobes can use oxygen when present.
There are two chemical equations for anaerobic reactions, one for animals and another for plants.
In animals,
- C6H1206 → lactic acid + 2 ATP
The energy released in this equation is approximately 150 kJ per mol.
In plants, anaerobic resipiration follows the equation
- C6H1206 → 2 C2H5OH + 2 CO2
The energy released is about 180 kJ per mol.
A large proportion of anaerobic bacteria produce toxins that are highly dangerous to most aerobic organisms, including humans.
See also: Aerobic organism, Fermentation
