In anaerobic respiration, what is typically produced?

In anaerobic respiration, the primary byproduct produced is lactic acid. This process occurs when the body operates without sufficient oxygen, typically during intense exercise when the demand for energy exceeds the oxygen supply available to the muscles. In this situation, glucose (which is initially broken down in the process) is converted into pyruvate, and in the absence of oxygen, that pyruvate is then transformed into lactic acid. While carbon dioxide is a byproduct of aerobic respiration, in anaerobic conditions, the main focus is the production of lactic acid, which can accumulate in the muscles and contribute to fatigue.

Glucose is the starting molecule for respiration rather than a product, and water is primarily a byproduct of aerobic respiration. Therefore, lactic acid is the correct answer as it directly represents the outcome of anaerobic processes in muscle activity when oxygen levels are insufficient.