This is a simplified schematic of glycolysis. This is the first step in A) aerobic respiration. B) alcohol fermentation. C) aerobic respiration and fermentation. D) lactic acid and alcohol fermentation.

Biology · Middle School · Wed Jan 13 2021

Answered on

Correct answer is c ( aerobic respiration and fermentation). 

 Both of these processes can happen thanks to alternative glucose breakdown pathways that occur when normal, oxygen-using (aerobic) cellular respiration is not possible—that is, when oxygen isn't around to act as an acceptor at the end of the electron transport chain . These fermentation pathways consist of glycolysis with some extra reactions tacked on at the end. In yeast, the extra reactions make alcohol, while in your muscles, they make lactic acid.

Fermentation is a widespread pathway, but it is not the only way to get energy from fuels anaerobically (in the absence of oxygen). Some living systems instead use an inorganic molecule other than O² such as sulfate, as a final electron acceptor for an electron transport chain. This process, called anaerobic cellular respiration, is performed by some bacteria and archaea.