Fermentation Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is fermentation?

A process that produces ATP without the use of oxygen.

Where does fermentation take place?

In the cytoplasm, and begins with glycolysis.

Why would a cell need fermentation?

Some simple organisms like bacteria and yeast cannot carry on aerobic respiration because they lack the enzymes and/or mitochondria for the aerobic part of the reactions.

What is glycolysis?

The breakdown of glucose to 2 pyruvic acid molecules. Signup and view all the answers

What does fermentation begin with?

With the pyruvic acid molecules. Signup and view all the answers

In the absence of oxygen, fermentation releases energy from

food molecules. Signup and view all the answers

Muscle cells in animals can survive for a limited time in the anaerobic phase of cellular respiration, but

they must eventually go through the aerobic part when sufficient oxygen is available. Signup and view all the answers

Anaerobic respiration breaks down glucose to either

lactic acid, or alcohol and carbon dioxide. Signup and view all the answers

What is anaerobic respiration?

A series of enzyme-controlled reactions that take place in the cytoplasm, beginning with glycolysis. Signup and view all the answers

What are the two types of fermentation?

Lactic acid and alcoholic. Signup and view all the answers

The end product depends on the type of

organism. Signup and view all the answers

What is produced in lactic acid fermentation?

Glucose —> 2 lactic acid + 2 ATP. Signup and view all the answers

As a result of lactic acid fermentation:

2 ATP are used to break down the glucose to 2 pyruvic acid and 4 are made. Signup and view all the answers

The 2 pyruvic acids (3 carbon each) are changed to 2 lactic acids (3 carbons each) with a total net gain of

2 ATP. Signup and view all the answers

Alcoholic Fermentation: Yeast

Glucose —> 2 ethyl alcohol + 2 CO2 + 2 ATP. Signup and view all the answers

How does yeast produce alcohol and carbon dioxide?

By alcoholic fermentation. Signup and view all the answers

What causes bread to rise?

CO2. Signup and view all the answers

In anaerobic respiration, how many ATP are produced from each molecule of glucose?

2 ATP. Signup and view all the answers

Lactic acid and alcohol still contain most of the chemical bond energy of the

original glucose. Signup and view all the answers

What are the end products?

Lactic acid and alcohol still have a great deal of potential energy remaining, but the cells are okay with the 2 ATP that they get. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Overview of Fermentation

Fermentation is a process that generates ATP anaerobically, without oxygen.
It occurs in the cytoplasm and starts with glycolysis, the breakdown of glucose into two pyruvic acid molecules.

Function and Importance

Essential for organisms like bacteria and yeast that lack the necessary enzymes and mitochondria for aerobic respiration.
Provides an alternative means for cells to produce ATP when oxygen is unavailable, known as anaerobic respiration.

Glycolysis and Pyruvic Acid

Glycolysis converts glucose into two pyruvic acid molecules, setting the stage for fermentation.
Fermentation utilizes these pyruvic acids to generate ATP without oxygen.

Energy Release During Fermentation

In the absence of oxygen, energy is released from food molecules, mainly glucose.
Muscle cells can temporarily rely on anaerobic respiration but must eventually obtain oxygen to continue aerobic processes.

Types of Anaerobic Byproducts

Anaerobic respiration can result in two main products: lactic acid or alcohol and carbon dioxide.
This variability depends on the organism undergoing fermentation.

Types of Fermentation

Lactic Acid Fermentation:
- Converts glucose into 2 lactic acids and generates 2 ATP.
- Occurs in animal muscle cells, especially during fatigue, and in some bacteria.
- Important for dairy product production (milk, cheese, yogurt).
Alcoholic Fermentation:
- Conversion of glucose to 2 ethyl alcohol, 2 CO2, and 2 ATP by yeast.
- Crucial for alcoholic beverages and baking processes.

ATP Production and Efficiency

Only 2 ATP are produced per glucose molecule during anaerobic respiration.
Lactic acid and alcohol produced still retain most of the energy from the original glucose.

Bread and Fermentation

Carbon dioxide produced during alcoholic fermentation is responsible for causing bread to rise.

Conclusion

The end products of fermentation still hold significant chemical energy, yet cells can function adequately with the ATP produced, satisfying their energy needs.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Explore the fascinating process of fermentation with these flashcards. Learn about anaerobic respiration, where it occurs, and why it's essential for certain organisms like yeast and bacteria. Test your knowledge and deepen your understanding of this critical biological process.