A biotechnological process that involves the anaerobic respiration of certain microorganisms, in particular yeast. Forming the basis of baking, wine, and beer production, alcoholic fermentation comprises a series of biochemical reactions in which sugars are consumed as a substrate to produce ethanol and carbon dioxide in the reaction:
Industrial applications of fermentation include the production of alcohol and glycerol from yeast, lactic acid, acetone, and butyl alcohol from various bacteria, and citric acid, antibiotics, and vitamins from mould fermentations.