Question

Why do eukaryotes need the pathway of fermentation?

Answer 1

Fermentation:

1. Fermentation is an anaerobic pathway, a common pathway in the majority of prokaryotes and unicellular eukaryotes.
2. In this process, glucose is partially oxidized to form acids and alcohol.
3. In organisms like yeast, the pyruvic acid formed by partial oxidation of glucose is converted to ethanol and carbon dioxide (CO₂).
4. Eukaryotes use fermentation as another pathway for breaking down glucose.
5. Fermentation is a much less efficient form of respiration in eukaryotes than in prokaryotes.
6. Fermentation reactions reduce pyruvate with electrons from NADH to regenerate NAD+ (opposite of pyruvate oxidation).