How does aerobic respiration differ from anaerobic respiration in terms of energy release?

Aerobic respiration differs from anaerobic respiration in terms of energy release. In aerobic respiration, which occurs in the presence of oxygen, the complete breakdown of glucose involves glycolysis, the Krebs cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation in the mitochondria, yielding a maximum of 38 molecules of ATP per glucose molecule. This process is highly efficient, maximizing energy extraction. In anaerobic respiration, which occurs in the absence of oxygen, only glycolysis takes place, generating a smaller amount of ATP (2 molecules) and fermentation byproducts. Overall, aerobic respiration produces more ATP than anaerobic respiration due to the additional stages and efficiency in utilizing oxygen.