ENERGY PRODUCTION 



131 



details of bacterial fermentation, we are concerned largely with 

 the methods utilised by the various organisms for the disposal 

 of their waste material — although, in some cases, the organisms 

 dispose of this material in such a way that more energy is made 

 available during the disposal process. 



CHjOH 



CH,OP 



2ATP 



Fig. 10. 

 THE FERMENTATION OF PYRUVIC ACID BY ESCH. COLI 

 Acetic and formic acid formation 



Under aerobic conditions, Esch. coli oxidises pyruvic acid 

 directly to acetic acid. 



CH3 . CO . COOH + > CH3 . COOH + CO2. 



