What is anaerobic glycolysis?

Anaerobic glycolysis is a type of cellular respiration that does not need oxygen to generate energy. Cellular respiration is a process by which cells generate the energy they need to survive.  

Anaerobic respiration is the only glycolysis pathway available to lower plants and microorganisms. In the absence of oxygen, the glucose obtained from food is broken down and converted into alcohol and carbon dioxide. Energy is also produced in this process. 

Multicellular organisms, including humans, also use anaerobic respiration but only as a temporary response to oxygen insufficiency. A classic example is during an intensive or heavy exercise regimen. Our body requires a high amount of energy when doing intensive exercises such as sprinting, running, cycling, and weight lifting. As the oxygen supply is limited, the body is unable to obtain enough for aerobic respiration. To fulfill the high energy demand, the muscle cells resort to anaerobic respiration.