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Science — CBSE Class 10 board question

Q1. [1]
Choose the equation of reaction that correctly represents anaerobic respiration in muscles :
  1. (A) Glucose →(Absence of O₂) Pyruvate → Ethanol + CO₂ + Energy
  2. (B) Glucose →(O₂) Pyruvate →(O₂) Energy
  3. (C) Glucose →(O₂) Pyruvate →(Lack of oxygen) Ethanol + Energy
  4. (D) Glucose → Pyruvate →(Lack of oxygen) Lactic acid + Energy
Previously asked in CBSE board exam
2026 31/5/1 Q3
Generated by claude-sonnet-4-6 · 2026-06-11 09:53 · grounding rag
Model Answer

(D) Glucose → Pyruvate →(Lack of oxygen) Lactic acid + Energy

In muscle cells, when oxygen is lacking, pyruvate is converted to lactic acid (not ethanol). Ethanol + CO₂ is produced in yeast, not muscles.

Source: Life Processes, Section 5.3 Respiration

Explanation

The key distinction: anaerobic respiration in muscles produces lactic acid, while anaerobic respiration in yeast produces ethanol + CO₂. Options A and C describe yeast fermentation. Option B describes aerobic respiration. Examiners frequently test this difference, so always specify the organism/tissue when writing about anaerobic respiration.

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