Home / IB DP Biology- C1.2 Cell respiration- IB Style Questions For SL Paper 1A

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?

OptionAerobic respirationAnaerobic respiration
ACarbon dioxide onlyLactate and carbon dioxide
BCarbon dioxide and waterLactate and carbon dioxide
CCarbon dioxide and waterLactate only
DCarbon dioxide onlyLactate 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.

Question

What are the product(s) and the location of anaerobic respiration in human cells?
▶️ Answer/Explanation
Detailed solution

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.

  • GlucosePyruvateLactate
    (Pyruvate is converted into lactate when oxygen is unavailable.)

Options Evaluation:

A. IncorrectCarbon dioxide is produced in aerobic respiration, not anaerobic respiration in humans.

B. IncorrectEthanol is produced by anaerobic respiration in yeast, not in humans.

C. CorrectLactate is the waste product formed during human anaerobic respiration.

D. IncorrectPyruvate is an intermediate molecule. In anaerobic conditions, it is converted into lactate, not excreted as a waste product.

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