Question

The usefulness of fermantation as a means of deriving energy is limited because

• A. It cannot generate enough ATP
• B. It products too much ${NH}_2$
• C. The end products are toxic to the producer
• D. It uses more energy than it produces

Answer 1

The correct option is C The end products are toxic to the producer

Answer is option C i.e. "The end products are toxic to the producer"
Fermentation is affected by several substances or chemical compounds that can be present in the medium. The final products of fermentation are lactate, ethanol, CO2, etc which causes osmotic stress on the micro-organisms (producers of fermentation products). These end products cause a drastic reduction in the water activity in micro-organisms, resulting in a very toxic environment for the microorganism, thereby preventing microbial growth.