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Malaika Ahmed

Does lactic acid fermentation need sugar? Can it function without it?

Arbaz Khan  Follow

In order for any organism to survive they have to be able to extract energy from an energy source. Fermentation is a way of getting this energy, just like respiration (used by plants and animals). Bacteria and yeasts (for example in beer brewing) commonly use fermentation as their energy source.

There are several types of fermentation, lactic acid fermentation is a type in which lactic acid is formed as a result of the fermentation process. Sugars, for example lactose or glucose, are fermented, along the way energy is released and lactic acid is produced. Lactic acid fermentation does not require oxygen to take place.

Lactic acid fermentation doesn’t just happen in bacteria, it also occurs in humans! If you’ve sported extensively and feel your muscles ‘turn sour’, they literally turn sour. There isn’t enough oxygen anymore and your body has reverted to using lactic acid fermentation to give you that extra energy.

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