Does electron transport chain occur during fermentation?

Answer

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Fermentation**:
- Fermentation is a metabolic process that occurs in the absence of oxygen (anaerobic conditions). It is a way for cells to generate energy when oxygen is not available.

2. **Role of Glucose**:
- During fermentation, glucose is the primary substrate that is broken down. However, due to the lack of oxygen, glucose cannot be fully oxidized.

3. **Conversion Products**:
- In alcoholic fermentation, glucose is converted into ethanol (alcohol) and carbon dioxide. This process does not involve the complete oxidation of glucose.

4. **Electron Transport Chain (ETC)**:
- The electron transport chain is a series of protein complexes located in the mitochondria of cells. It requires oxygen as the final electron acceptor to function properly.

5. **Oxygen Requirement**:
- Since fermentation occurs in the absence of oxygen, the electron transport chain cannot operate. Without oxygen, the necessary conditions for the ETC to function are not met.

6. **ATP Production**:
- During fermentation, only a small amount of energy is produced. Specifically, only 2 ATP molecules are generated per molecule of glucose, which is significantly less than what is produced during aerobic respiration.

### Conclusion:
- The electron transport chain does not occur during fermentation due to the lack of oxygen, which is essential for the chain to function.