Everyday Science · 45 sec
Fermentation
The science behind something you encounter, use, or wonder about.
The useful idea
- The useful idea
Fermentation is a type of anaerobic metabolism that harnesses the redox potential of the reactants to make adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and organic end products.
- How it works
Organic molecules, such as glucose or other sugars, are catabolized and their electrons are transferred to other organic molecules (cofactors, coenzymes, etc.).
- Why it matters
Anaerobic glycolysis is a related term used to describe the occurrence of fermentation in organisms (usually multicellular organisms such as animals) when aerobic respiration cannot keep up with the ATP
Why this matters
Look for Fermentation the next time you notice this pattern in everyday life.
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Look for Fermentation the next time you notice this pattern in everyday life.
Test your recall
Which idea belongs to the explanation of Fermentation?
- Why it matters
- How it works
- The useful idea — correct
Fermentation is a type of anaerobic metabolism that harnesses the redox potential of the reactants to make adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and organic end products.