Why are fermentation reactions important for cells?
A) They produce alcohol, which enhances the permeability of their mitochondrial membranes to proton translocation.
B) They regenerate NAD+ so that glycolysis can continue to operate.
C) They allow the cell to conserve oxygen for the citric acid cycle.
D) They generate oxygen.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Fermentation reactions are important for cells because they regenerate NAD+. During glycolysis, NAD+ is reduced to NADH. If glycolysis continues and NAD+ is not regenerated, the cell would run out of NAD+ and glycolysis would halt. Fermentation reactions allow the cell to regenerate NAD+ so that glycolysis can continue to operate.

Why Are Fermentation Reactions Important for Cells