What is anaerobic respiration/fermentation?

Study for the Anatomy and Physiology Muscular System Test. Prepare with flashcards and multiple choice questions; each question provides hints and explanations. Get ready to excel in your exam!

Multiple Choice

What is anaerobic respiration/fermentation?

Explanation:
Anaerobic respiration/fermentation is a way cells make ATP when oxygen isn’t available. It begins with glycolysis, splitting glucose into two pyruvate molecules and producing a small amount of ATP. Without oxygen to drive the mitochondria, the cell must recycle NAD+ by converting pyruvate into lactate (in animals) or into ethanol and CO2 (in yeast). This regeneration of NAD+ lets glycolysis continue, giving a limited amount of energy—about 2 ATP per glucose. The defining feature is that no oxygen is used in this process, unlike aerobic respiration. The other ideas involve using oxygen or building glucose, which aren’t descriptions of fermentation.

Anaerobic respiration/fermentation is a way cells make ATP when oxygen isn’t available. It begins with glycolysis, splitting glucose into two pyruvate molecules and producing a small amount of ATP. Without oxygen to drive the mitochondria, the cell must recycle NAD+ by converting pyruvate into lactate (in animals) or into ethanol and CO2 (in yeast). This regeneration of NAD+ lets glycolysis continue, giving a limited amount of energy—about 2 ATP per glucose. The defining feature is that no oxygen is used in this process, unlike aerobic respiration. The other ideas involve using oxygen or building glucose, which aren’t descriptions of fermentation.

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