IB DP Biology- C1.2 Cell respiration- IB Style Questions For SL Paper 1A -FA 2025
Question
What are the waste products of aerobic and anaerobic respiration in humans?
| Option | Aerobic respiration | Anaerobic respiration |
|---|---|---|
| A | Carbon dioxide only | Lactate and carbon dioxide |
| B | Carbon dioxide and water | Lactate and carbon dioxide |
| C | Carbon dioxide and water | Lactate only |
| D | Carbon dioxide only | Lactate only |
▶️ Answer/Explanation
Correct Answer: \( \boxed{\mathbf{C}} \)
During aerobic respiration, glucose is completely oxidized, producing carbon dioxide and water as waste products. During anaerobic respiration in human muscle cells, lactate is produced as the waste product. Carbon dioxide is not produced during anaerobic respiration in humans.
▶️ Answer/Explanation
In human cells, anaerobic respiration (glycolysis followed by lactate fermentation) occurs in the cytoplasm and produces lactate as the end product. Carbon dioxide and water are products of aerobic respiration in mitochondria.
✅ Answer: (C)
Question
Which compound is a waste product of anaerobic respiration in humans?
A. Carbon dioxide
B. Ethanol
C. Lactate
D. Pyruvate
▶️ Answer/Explanation
Answer: C. Lactate
Explanation: 
In anaerobic respiration (respiration without oxygen) in humans, the body breaks down glucose to release a small amount of energy. Instead of producing carbon dioxide and water as in aerobic respiration, it forms lactate as the waste product.
This occurs especially during intense exercise when muscles do not receive enough oxygen.
- Glucose → Pyruvate → Lactate
(Pyruvate is converted into lactate when oxygen is unavailable.)
Options Evaluation:
A. Incorrect – Carbon dioxide is produced in aerobic respiration, not anaerobic respiration in humans.
B. Incorrect – Ethanol is produced by anaerobic respiration in yeast, not in humans.
C. Correct – Lactate is the waste product formed during human anaerobic respiration.
D. Incorrect – Pyruvate is an intermediate molecule. In anaerobic conditions, it is converted into lactate, not excreted as a waste product.

