Question

Ultimately, the fermentation of one molecule of glucose produces:

A. 2 molecules of carbon dioxide
B. 1 molecule of carbon dioxide and 1 molecule of ethanol
C. 2 molecules of ethanol
D. 2 molecules of carbon dioxide and 2 molecules of ethanol
E. 2 molecules of carbon dioxide and 1 molecule of ethanol

Answer 1

The fermentation of glucose by yeast in alcoholic fermentation produces 2 molecules of ethanol and 2 molecules of carbon dioxide.

Step-by-step explanation:

The fermentation of one molecule of glucose by yeast cells in the process of alcoholic fermentation typically results in the production of 2 molecules of ethanol and 2 molecules of carbon dioxide. This conversion process can be summarized as glucose being first broken down into 2 pyruvate molecules through glycolysis, which also yields energy in the form of 2 molecules of ATP. Each pyruvate is then decarboxylated to form acetaldehyde and one CO2 molecule. Subsequently, the acetaldehyde is reduced to ethanol, in a process that also involves the regeneration of NAD+ from NADH, providing the potential for the process to continue in a cyclical fashion.