Question

Describe the process of fermentation in plants and animals (chart not required).

Answer 1

Fermentation is an anaerobic process in which energy is produced from glucose in absence of oxygen. It takes place in yeast, bacteria, plants and in the muscle cells of animals. It produces very less amount of ATP. Fermentation process in the muscle cells of animals is called as lactic acid fermentation as the end product is lactic acid. In plant cells, fermentation results in the production of ethanol and carbon dioxide. Hence, it is also called as alcoholic fermentation. In this, pyruvic acid produced from glycolysis is converted into ethanol and carbon dioxide and the NAD${}^{+}$ is generated from NADH. Lactic acid fermentation takes place in muscle cells during vigorous exercise. No carbon dioxide is produced in this. Lactic acid and NAD${}^{+}$ are produced as end products.