Fermentation A. Fermentation enables some cells to produce ATP without the help of oxygen. Anaerobic catabolism of organic nutrients.
Some energy released from the exergonic process of glycolysis drives the production of two net ATPs.
Pyruvate is oxidized further and more ATP is made as NADH passes to the electron transport chain. No additional ATP is produced. Pyruvate loses carbon dioxide and is converted to the two-carbon compound acetaldehyde which is reduced to ethanol. Many bacteria and yeast carry out alcohol fermentation under anaerobic conditions. Commercially important products of lactic acid fermentation include cheese and yogurt.