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Multiple Choice
Which of the following best describes fermentation in heterotrophic organisms?
A
A process that uses oxygen to completely break down glucose into carbon dioxide and water.
B
A metabolic process that converts glucose to energy in the absence of oxygen, producing organic end products such as lactic acid or ethanol.
C
A process by which cells use nitrogen as a final electron acceptor to generate ATP.
D
A method of synthesizing glucose from carbon dioxide and water using sunlight.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Begin by understanding the concept of fermentation. Fermentation is a metabolic process used by heterotrophic organisms to generate energy in the absence of oxygen. It is an anaerobic process, meaning it does not require oxygen.
Step 2: Compare the options provided in the problem. Option 1 describes aerobic respiration, which uses oxygen to completely break down glucose into carbon dioxide and water. This is not fermentation.
Step 3: Evaluate the correct answer. Fermentation converts glucose into energy without oxygen, producing organic end products such as lactic acid (in animals) or ethanol (in yeast). This matches the description provided in the correct answer.
Step 4: Analyze the other incorrect options. Option 3 mentions nitrogen as a final electron acceptor, which is related to anaerobic respiration but not fermentation. Option 4 describes photosynthesis, which is unrelated to fermentation.
Step 5: Conclude that the correct description of fermentation in heterotrophic organisms is: 'A metabolic process that converts glucose to energy in the absence of oxygen, producing organic end products such as lactic acid or ethanol.'