What are the end products of pyruvate during fermentation process?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
Ethanol and Carbon Dioxide -
Fermentation -
is an anaerobic process that occurs in the absence of oxygen.
This process is primarily observed in yeast and some bacteria.
Key points of the process:
Glycolysis: Glucose is first broken down in the cytoplasm to form pyruvate.
Breakdown of pyruvate: In the absence of oxygen, yeast cells convert this pyruvate into ethanol (C2H5OH) and carbon dioxide (CO2).
Energy: Very little energy (only 2 ATP) is released in this process.
Chemical Equation:
Key points:
Bread industry: The release of CO2 causes bread and cakes to rise and become soft.
Wine industry: The formation of ethanol is used in the production of wine and beer.
Note: If this process happens in the absence of oxygen in our muscles, the end product is lactic acid, which causes cramps in the body.