What is the difference between Alcohol and Lactic Acid Fermentation?

Fermentation means the conversion of glucose, particularly yeast to alcohol. However, there are instances that glucose will be converted to a substance like lactic acid. Alcohol and lactic acid fermentation are two types of anaerobic biochemical reactions. However, there are some differences between the two. Alcohol fermentation occurs in microorganisms and yeast for the production of materials like bread, wine, beer, etc. During alcohol fermentation, the pyruvic molecules are transformed into ethanol and carbon (iv) oxide.

On the other hand, lactic acid fermentation has lactic acid as its end product. Lactic acid fermentation occurs in some bacteria as well as in the muscle cells. Ordinarily, muscles cells make use of oxygen to carry out their cellular activities like respiration. But when there is a shortage in the supply of oxygen, the lactic acid fermentation process will be used as a means of respiration by the muscle cells. This type of fermentation is used in the production of materials like cheese and yogurt.

People may become confused with the main difference between lactic acid and alcohol fermentation because they may seem similar to each other. They are very different, though, because alcohol fermentation is the process that occurs when the body needs to produce ethyl alcohol and carbon dioxide. Outside the body, this process is used to create bread, wine, and beer.

Lactic acid fermentation is the process that is responsible for making sure that the muscles will not run out of oxygen. This may occur when you are trying your best to exercise, and your muscles are trying to cope. The process will make sure that they would be able to deal properly and appropriately.