Why Do Some Bacteria Rely on Lactic Acid Fermentation for Energy?

[student101]

How does the absense of catalase cause lactic acid fermentation by bacteria? Also, what coenzymes/cytochromes do lactic acid-producing bacteria not have that may cause them to anaerobic?

 

[iansmith]

How does the absense of catalase cause lactic acid fermentation by bacteria?

What is the action of catalase? Does that action have an effect on the fermentation?

Also, what coenzymes/cytochromes do lactic acid-producing bacteria not have that may cause them to anaerobic?

This document state what is missing in the lactic acid bacteria
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lactic_acid_bacteria

 

[ravenprp]

Lactic acid fermentation is a type of anaerobic respiration that is commonly used by bacteria to produce energy in the absence of oxygen. This process involves the conversion of glucose into lactic acid, which can then be used as a source of energy by the bacteria.

The absence of catalase is a key factor in lactic acid fermentation by bacteria. Catalase is an enzyme that helps break down hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen. In the absence of catalase, hydrogen peroxide can build up and become toxic to the bacteria. Therefore, in order to survive, the bacteria switch to lactic acid fermentation, which produces lactic acid instead of hydrogen peroxide.

Lactic acid-producing bacteria also lack certain coenzymes and cytochromes that are required for aerobic respiration. These include NADH dehydrogenase, cytochrome c, and cytochrome oxidase. Without these enzymes, the bacteria are unable to carry out the electron transport chain, which is essential for the production of ATP in aerobic respiration. As a result, they must rely on lactic acid fermentation to produce energy.

In summary, the absence of catalase and certain enzymes involved in aerobic respiration are the main reasons why lactic acid-producing bacteria rely on fermentation for energy production. This process allows them to survive in environments without oxygen and continue to carry out their metabolic functions.