Which two processes are included in anaerobic fermentation?

The correct answer highlights the key processes involved in anaerobic fermentation, which primarily consists of glycolysis followed by fermentation.

Glycolysis is the first step in both anaerobic and aerobic glucose metabolism, where glucose is broken down into pyruvate, yielding a small amount of ATP. In the absence of oxygen, the pyruvate generated from glycolysis does not proceed to the citric acid cycle; instead, it is converted into various fermentation products, such as lactic acid or ethanol, through the process of fermentation. This allows for the regeneration of NAD+, which is crucial for maintaining glycolysis under anaerobic conditions.

Understanding anaerobic fermentation is essential since it provides a way for cells, especially in low-oxygen environments, to produce energy efficiently, although it is far less efficient in ATP yield compared to aerobic processes.

The other options involve processes distinct from anaerobic fermentation. For instance, the citric acid cycle and oxidative phosphorylation occur in aerobic respiration, requiring oxygen to fully process glucose for ATP production. Beta-oxidation refers to the breakdown of fatty acids, while gluconeogenesis involves synthesizing glucose, both pathways that don't participate directly in the anaerobic fermentation process. Acetyl-CoA formation is a precursor to aerobic metabolism