The major function of fermentation in our muscle cells is

Question

A. to reduce NAD⁺ to NADH

b. to generate lactic acid, which is later converted into fatty acid, which is a form of stored chemical energy

c. not really known, and in fact it is believed fermentation has no real function

d. to oxidize NADH and thereby regenerate NAD⁺

e. to produce a net increase in the chemical energy stored in ATP and NADH 

Answer 1

Hello Pia,

The definition of fermentation in biology is a process that generates energy without using oxygen. So the correct answer will be what produces chemical energy. I will go through each option to explain why it is either correct or incorrect. Finally, I will show an illustration of the chemical process

A. Incorrect. Although NADH is produced, it is not the only form of chemical energy from this reaction.

B. Incorrect. Lactic acid is a by-product of fermentation in muscle cells, not the major function.

C. Incorrect. Fermentation in muscle cells is used to produce energy when oxygen is low and therefore, is known.

D. Incorrect. Both NAD+ and NADH are produced, but NAD⁺ is recycled into NADH.

E. Correct. Fermentation in muscle cells will produce both ATP and NADH for energy.

Here is the chemical pathway.

Glucose + ADP + NAD⁺ --> Pyruvic acid + ATP + NADH --> Lactic acid + NAD⁺

Thanks for the opportunity to help!