[Campbell Biology P.229] What is the primary role of fermentation in the context of glycolysis? | Practice Question

What is the primary role of fermentation in the context of glycolysis?

A: To produce a large amount of ATP directly.
B: To regenerate NAD+ for glycolysis to continue.
C: To produce oxygen for cellular respiration.
D: To completely oxidize glucose.

Explanation

The text states that fermentation is an extension of glycolysis that allows continuous generation of ATP by the substrate-level phosphorylation of glycolysis, and for this to occur, there must be a sufficient supply of NAD+ to accept electrons. Without some mechanism to recycle NAD+ from NADH, glycolysis would shut itself down. Therefore, the primary role of fermentation is to regenerate NAD+.