Importance of anaerobic respiration:

1. When life was involved on Earth, the early land or water habitats didn’t have any supply of free oxygen (O₂). In these early anaerobic conditions, early organisms respired anaerobically and got energy for their life activities.
2. Even today when free oxygen is available, some organisms including some bacteria and some fungi get energy from anaerobic respiration and are called anaerobes.
3. Humans can provide energy to skeletal muscle cells through anaerobic respiration. It happens when skeletal muscles have to work hard (during exercise etc.) but the oxygen supply cannot be increased to fulfill the demand.
4. Scientists have used the fermenting abilities of fungi and bacteria for the benefit of mankind. For example, the fermenting powers of bacteria are used for making cheese and yogurt. Fermenting yeasts are used in the baking and brewing industries. Similarly, soy sauce is made through the fermentation of the fungus Aspergillus.