Question

In fermentation the molecules of NADH are________while the organic molecules are _________.

A- oxidize, oxidize
B- reduce, reduce
C- oxidize, reduce
D-reduce, oxidize

Answer 1

In fermentation, NADH molecules are oxidized, and organic molecules are reduced. This reaction allows NAD+ to be regenerated from NADH enabling glycolysis to continue anaerobically.

Step-by-step explanation:

In fermentation, the molecules of NADH are oxidized while the organic molecules are reduced. This process involves glycolysis where glucose is broken down, and during the latter stages, NADH donates electrons to an organic molecule, converting it to a more reduced form such as ethanol in alcoholic fermentation. At the same time, NADH is oxidized back to NAD+, which allows glycolysis to continue in the absence of oxygen.

Specifically, during alcoholic fermentation, acetaldehyde is reduced to ethanol using the electrons from NADH, simultaneously oxidizing NADH back to NAD+. This recycling of NAD+ is crucial for glycolysis to proceed in anaerobic conditions, providing cells with ATP. Unlike processes requiring oxygen, fermentation does not utilize the TCA cycle or the electron transport chain and relies on organic molecules to accept the electrons that were carried by NADH.

Answer 2

The correct answer is option C- "oxidize, reduce".

Step-by-step explanation:

Fermentation is a process analogous to cellular respiration and, just like the latter, it involves oxidization and reduction of molecules with the final purpose of producing energy. During the process of fermentation nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide + hydrogen (NADH) is oxidized to its original form of NAD with a plus charge; while other organic molecules such as piruvate are reduced.