Anaerobic cellular respiration and fermentation in microorganisms
I can describe the reactants and products of anaerobic cellular respiration in microorganisms, and ways in which the process is useful to us.
Anaerobic cellular respiration and fermentation in microorganisms
I can describe the reactants and products of anaerobic cellular respiration in microorganisms, and ways in which the process is useful to us.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- In microorganisms, anaerobic cellular respiration produces carbon dioxide and a type of alcohol called ethanol.
- A word summary of the reactants and products of anaerobic cellular respiration in microorganisms.
- Anaerobic cellular respiration in microorganisms is also called fermentation.
- Humans use fermentation in microorganisms to make useful products such as bread, yogurt and alcoholic drinks.
Keywords
Microorganism - A microorganism is a living organism made up of one or a small number of cells.
Anaerobic cellular respiration - Anaerobic cellular respiration is a form of cellular respiration which occurs without oxygen.
Ethanol - Ethanol is a product of anaerobic cellular respiration in microorganisms.
Alcohol - Alcohols are a group of compounds containing carbon, hydrogen and oxygen.
Fermentation - The process of anaerobic respiration in microorganisms is called fermentation.
Common misconception
Students can often confuse the word summaries for the different types of cellular respiration.
This lesson directly compares the different word summaries for anaerobic cellular respiration to help understand the differences between them.
To help you plan your year 9 science lesson on: Anaerobic cellular respiration and fermentation in microorganisms, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 9 science lesson on: Anaerobic cellular respiration and fermentation in microorganisms, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 3 science lessons from the Breathing and respiration unit, dive into the full secondary science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of mental health issues
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions




