These two processes are interconnected considering that all of this is a result of light energy. Without the first stage (light reaction), it would not be possible to achieve the end result (glucose and 38 ATP). As shown in the diagram, the two processes are related because of how important each stage’s products are to the next stages as reactants. Starting from sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide, it resulted in glucose, that can be converted to energy in the next stage (either aerobic or anaerobic respiration). These two processes still benefit from the 1 molecule of glucose that the first stage produced.
Why 38?
One molecule of glucose produces water and a maximum number of 38 molecules of ATP.
This is because when we look at the products from the previous stages which are glycolysis and Krebs Cycle and the reactants of Electron Transport Chain, they add up to 38.
2=2=4
(10)(3)+(2)(2)=34
4+34=38 molecules of ATP (maximum)
Advantages and Disadvantages of Each Type of Cellular Respiration
The advantage of aerobic respiration is its efficiency in producing a lot of ATP, with its maximum being 38 ATP molecules. However, this only occurs when there is oxygen present because of the presence of the Electron Transport Chain in aerobic respiration.
When oxygen is absent, the type of cellular respiration with an advantage is fermentation because it is made for ATP production without the need for oxygen. The disadvantage is that it produces only two molecules of ATP from one molecule of glucose. It was stated earlier that in aerobic respiration, one molecule of glucose can yield 38 molecules of ATP, making it the most efficient in the production of ATP. However, in anaerobic respiration, one molecule of glucose can only yield two molecules of ATP. Fermentation is only used for emergency purposes when ATP is running out and when ATP is needed quickly.