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Multiple Choice
What is the net result of the breakdown of glucose in glycolysis and fermentation?
A
2 ATP and 2 lactate
B
2 ATP and 2 ethanol
C
2 ATP and 2 NADH
D
4 ATP and 2 pyruvate
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand that glycolysis is the process of breaking down one molecule of glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆) into two molecules of pyruvate (C₃H₄O₃), producing a net gain of ATP and NADH.
In glycolysis, two ATP molecules are used in the initial steps, and four ATP molecules are produced in later steps, resulting in a net gain of 2 ATP molecules.
Additionally, glycolysis produces 2 NADH molecules as it converts glucose to pyruvate.
Fermentation occurs in the absence of oxygen and allows cells to regenerate NAD⁺ from NADH, enabling glycolysis to continue. Depending on the organism, fermentation can produce different end products.
In lactic acid fermentation, pyruvate is reduced to lactate, regenerating NAD⁺. In alcoholic fermentation, pyruvate is converted to ethanol and carbon dioxide, also regenerating NAD⁺. Consider these pathways to determine the net products of glycolysis and fermentation.