why do cells respire anaerobically
If oxygen does not get to the muscles fast enough for aerobic respiration, the muscles change to anaerobic respiration by processing only the first stage of glucose breakdown and making lactic acid instead. Glucose (sugar) only = carbon dioxide + lactic acid + some energy.In anaerobic respiration only the first stage of sugar breakdown occurs. Lactic acid builds up in the muscles and stops them working. The person breathes faster to take in more oxygen so that lactic acid can be broken down to carbon dioxide and water.his is called anaerobic respiration. Oxygen is needed to full break down the glucose and release all the energy stored in it. In anaerobic respiration glucose cannot be fully broken down and only a small amount of energy is released. Lactic acid stops muscle from working if it builds up.