Fermentation
Definition
Fermentation is an anaerobic process (meaning it doesn't require oxygen) used by many cells to produce ATP from glucose when oxygen levels are low or absent.
Analogy
Imagine you're running a marathon but suddenly there's no water available at any hydration station. You'd have to find another way to keep going - maybe by slowing down or relying on stored reserves. That's what fermentation does for cells when there isn't enough oxygen around - it allows them to keep producing energy, albeit less efficiently.
Related terms
Lactic Acid Fermentation: A type of fermentation that occurs in animal cells and some bacteria where glucose is converted into lactic acid and ATP.
Alcoholic Fermentation: A type of fermentation that occurs in yeast and some bacteria where glucose is converted into ethanol, carbon dioxide, and ATP.
Anaerobic Respiration: A method used by some organisms to generate energy without using oxygen.
"Fermentation" appears in:
Subjects (1)
Study guides (3)
Are you a college student?
Study guides for the entire semester
200k practice questions
Glossary of 50k key terms - memorize important vocab
Resources
© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.
AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.