Question

What are the two pathways that might follow glycolysis? What factor can determine which of those pathways a cell might follow?

a) The pathways are lactic acid fermentation and alcoholic fermentation. The factor is the presence of oxygen.
b) The pathways are photosynthesis and respiration. The factor is the cell's age.
c) The pathways are mitosis and meiosis. The factor is the cell's location in the body.
d) The pathways are transcription and translation. The factor is the cell's genetic code.

Answer 1

The two pathways that might follow glycolysis are lactic acid fermentation and alcoholic fermentation, and the factor that determines which pathway a cell might follow is the presence of oxygen.

Step-by-step explanation:

Glycolysis is the first pathway used in the breakdown of glucose to extract free energy. After glycolysis, there are two pathways that might follow:

1. Lactic acid fermentation: In the absence of oxygen, a cell can undergo lactic acid fermentation. This pathway converts pyruvate (the end product of glycolysis) into lactic acid and regenerates NAD+ to keep glycolysis going. This occurs in cells like muscle cells during strenuous exercise.
2. Alcoholic fermentation: In the absence of oxygen, some microorganisms like yeast can undergo alcoholic fermentation. This pathway converts pyruvate into ethanol, carbon dioxide, and regenerates NAD+ for glycolysis to continue. This is the process used in the production of alcoholic beverages.

The factor that determines which pathway a cell might follow is the presence of oxygen. If oxygen is present, the cell will continue with aerobic respiration. If oxygen is absent, fermentation is used to generate ATP.