Question

Which of the following statements comparing lactic acid fermentation and alcohol fermentation is inaccurate?

a. Both processes occur in the absence of oxygen
b. Lactic acid fermentation produces lactic acid, while alcohol fermentation produces ethanol
c. Both processes result in the release of carbon dioxide
d. Lactic acid fermentation produces more ATP than alcohol fermentation

Answer 1

The inaccurate statement is that lactic acid fermentation produces more ATP than alcohol fermentation; both processes yield the same amount of ATP which is 2 net ATP from glycolysis.

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement among the options provided that is inaccurate when comparing lactic acid fermentation and alcohol fermentation is: d. Lactic acid fermentation produces more ATP than alcohol fermentation. This is incorrect because both processes produce the same amount of ATP per glucose molecule during glycolysis, which is 2 net ATP.

Both lactic acid fermentation and alcohol fermentation are anaerobic processes, meaning they occur in the absence of oxygen. In lactic acid fermentation, pyruvate is converted into lactic acid, which is utilized in various biological processes, including the manufacture of yogurt and the operation of muscle cells during intense exercise. In alcoholic fermentation, the pyruvate is converted into ethanol and carbon dioxide, which is used in the making of products like beer, wine, and bread.

It's important to note that neither lactic acid fermentation nor alcoholic fermentation directly produce more ATP after glycolysis. Instead, they regenerate NAD+ which allows glycolysis to continue and thus facilitate the ongoing production of ATP in the absence of oxygen.

Answer 2

The statement 'Lactic acid fermentation produces more ATP than alcohol fermentation' is inaccurate as both processes produce the same amount of ATP, which is 2 ATP molecules per glucose molecule in glycolysis (Option D).

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement comparing lactic acid fermentation and alcoholic fermentation that is inaccurate is: "Lactic acid fermentation produces more ATP than alcohol fermentation."

Both fermentation processes produce the same amount of ATP from glycolysis, which is a net gain of 2 ATP molecules. Neither process produces additional ATP beyond what is generated through glycolysis.

Therefore, lactic acid fermentation does not produce more ATP than alcoholic fermentation; both yield the same amount.

Lactic acid fermentation and alcoholic fermentation are both forms of anaerobic respiration that occur in the absence of oxygen.

In lactic acid fermentation, pyruvate is converted into lactic acid, which occurs in muscle cells during strenuous exercise and in bacteria used in yogurt production.

Alcohol fermentation, on the other hand, converts pyruvate into ethanol and carbon dioxide and is used by yeasts and some bacteria, notably in brewing and bread-making.

Both types of fermentation are important biological processes that allow organisms to produce energy when oxygen is scarce. However, they differ in their end products and the organisms that utilize these pathways.

Hence, the correct answer is Option D.