Answer: Fermentation is different from Aerobic Respiration because it does not require oxygen. Fermentation is an anaerobic process that occurs when oxygen is not present or when the electron transport chain is not functioning. In fermentation, glucose is broken down into pyruvate, which is then converted into either lactic acid or ethanol and carbon dioxide. Fermentation produces much less ATP than aerobic respiration, only 2 ATP per glucose molecule compared to the 36-38 ATP produced by aerobic respiration.
Fermentation is useful for cells when oxygen is not available or when the electron transport chain is not functioning. This can occur during strenuous exercise, when the demand for ATP exceeds the supply of oxygen, or in certain microorganisms that live in anaerobic environments. Fermentation allows these cells to continue producing ATP, albeit at a much slower rate, when oxygen is not available.
Step-by-step explanation: