Fermentation (Anaerobic respiration) Lactic Acid and Ethanol

When cells cannot or do not use oxygen in ATP production, they have another pathway to make energy (ATP). This is called Anaerobic Respiration or more commonly Fermentation. Animals, Fungi, and Bacteria all have species with fermentation pathways. In humans it is the cause for sore muscles after over exertion. In fungus (yeast) it causes bread to rise and beer have alcohol. Even the bacteria in our intestines (E.Coli) ferments sugar we eat (lactose) and helps us function. Fermentation doesn’t produce ATP in humans like Aerobic respiration does. When there isn’t enough oxygen in your blood you produce only 5%-10% of the ATP you can with oxygen. Additionally, there are waste products that must be disposed of in fermentation (lactic acid). Still, remember that 2 ATP is better than zero ATP. More description to come soon…check back in a couple days. See a primer on aerobic respiration (Cellular Respiration) here: www.youtube.com To see detailed animations of each part, look at these: Glycolysis www.youtube.com The Krebs Cycle (Citric Acid Cycle) www.youtube.com Electron Transport Chain (Chemiosmosis) www.youtube.com
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