Fermentation

• Fermentation allows the body to make small amounts of ATP in the absence of oxygen.
• Fermentation is anaerobic respiration.
• Two types of fermentation are lactic acid fermentation and alcoholic fermentation.
• The goal of fermentation is not to make ATP, but to return NAD+ to glycolysis.
• With oxygen, glycolysis produces ATP.
• Without oxygen, NADH cannot donate its electrons, so we run out of NAD+ to accept electrons, therefore glycolysis stops.
• Lactic Acid Fermentation uses a chemical reaction that converts pyruvic acid to lactic acid.
• Pyruvic Acid + NADH -> Lactic Acid + NAD+
• Organisms uses one type of fermentation, not both.
• Bacteria and humans use lactic acid fermentation.
• The body uses ATP in muscles for quick bursts of energy and ATP made by lactic acid fermentation.
• A buildup of lactic acid causes burning in muscles and can be removed by oxygen.
• Cellular respiration is the only way to generate a supply of ATP.
• Alcoholic Fermentation is used by yeasts and other microorganisms which produces ethyl alcohol and carbon dioxide.
• Pyruvic Acid + NADH -> Alcohol + CO2 + NAD+
• Both types of fermentation are used in food production.
• Alcohol evaporates which is why you cannot taste it in bread.