Fermentation is

Options

A. Complete oxidation of carbohydrates
B. Incomplete oxidation of crabohydrates
C. Anaerobic respiration
D. None of the above

Answer

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Definition of Fermentation**:
- Fermentation is a metabolic process that converts sugar to acids, gases, or alcohol in the absence of oxygen.

2. **Purpose of Fermentation**:
- The primary purpose of fermentation is to break down glucose to release energy. This process is crucial for organisms that do not have access to oxygen.

3. **Anaerobic Conditions**:
- Fermentation occurs under anaerobic conditions, meaning it takes place without oxygen. This distinguishes it from aerobic respiration, which requires oxygen.

4. **Comparison with Aerobic Respiration**:
- In aerobic respiration, glucose is fully oxidized in the presence of oxygen, resulting in the production of carbon dioxide, water, and a significant amount of energy. In contrast, fermentation results in partial oxidation of glucose, yielding less energy.

5. **Types of Fermentation**:
- There are various types of fermentation, including alcoholic fermentation (producing ethanol and carbon dioxide) and lactic acid fermentation (producing lactic acid).

6. **Conclusion**:
- Therefore, fermentation can be defined as the anaerobic breakdown of glucose to obtain energy, which is essential for many organisms, especially in environments lacking oxygen.