fermentationhave
Fermentation is a metabolic process that converts sugar to acids, gases, or alcohol. It occurs in yeast and bacteria, and also in oxygen-starved muscle cells, as in the case of lactic acid fermentation. Fermentation is a way of extracting energy from carbohydrates in the absence of oxygen. During fermentation, organisms break down sugars, such as glucose, into simpler compounds. The specific products of fermentation depend on the type of organism and the available substrate. For example, yeast performing alcoholic fermentation convert sugars into ethanol and carbon dioxide, a process widely used in baking and brewing. Lactic acid fermentation, carried out by certain bacteria and muscle cells, produces lactic acid. This is important in the production of yogurt and cheese, and also contributes to muscle fatigue during intense exercise. Other types of fermentation include propionic acid fermentation and mixed-acid fermentation, each yielding different end products and serving various biological and industrial roles. Understanding fermentation is crucial in fields like food science, biotechnology, and medicine.