Question

During intense 'anaerobic' physical exercise, the high energy demand in the muscle cells leads to an accumulation of lactic acid in these cells and their surrounding tissues. Similarly, the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae can produce ethanol when grown anaerobically. The lactate or ethanol production takes place in a process called _________.

Answer 1

The process in which muscle cells and yeast produce lactic acid or ethanol during anaerobic conditions is called Lactic Acid Fermentation. It allows cells to generate energy and continue glycolysis when oxygen is limited by converting pyruvate into lactate or ethanol.

Step-by-step explanation:

Lactic Acid Fermentation is the process taking place when muscle cells and yeast produce lactic acid or ethanol, respectively, under anaerobic conditions. During intense anaerobic exercise, muscle cells produce lactic acid as a byproduct. In a similar anaerobic environment, yeast cells, such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae, can produce ethanol. This occurs because, without oxygen, cells convert pyruvate into lactate or ethanol, generating additional ATP via glycolysis and regenerating NAD+ from NADH, essential for glycolysis to continue.

While this process is less efficient in producing ATP compared to aerobic respiration, it allows cells to continue to generate energy when oxygen is scarce.