Fermentation Definition

Fermentation refers to the metabolic process by which organic molecules (normally

glucose) are converted into acids, gases, or alcohol in the absence of oxygen or
any electron transport chain. Fermentation pathways regenerate
the coenzyme nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), which is used in glycolysis to
release energy in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Fermentation only yields a
net of 2 ATP per glucose molecule (through glycolysis), while aerobic respiration yields as
many as 32 molecules of ATP per glucose molecule with the aid of the electron
transport chain.