The name Propionibacterium is derived from the fact that the organism produces propionic acid during fermentative metabolism. Which of the following statements about fermentative metabolism is true?

A) Fermentation is unfavorable because the production of acidic end-products provides an unfavorable environment for the organism's growth. B) Fermentation produces significantly less ATP than aerobic respiration; however it generates NAD+, which can be used in glycolysis. C) All fermentative organisms have the ability to perform ethanol fermentation. D) Fermentation does not yield any ATP for the cell.

B) Fermentation produces significantly less ATP than aerobic respiration; however it generates NAD+, which can be used in glycolysis.

Explanation:

Fermentation is the process in which the complex carbohydrate molecule is broken down into a simpler molecule in the absence of oxygen. It is different from aerobic respiration however glycolysis is the common process that occurs in both aerobic and anaerobic organisms.

In anaerobic respiration or fermentation, the ATP production is very low because only two ATP is produced during fermentation. The 2 NADH that is produced in the glycolysis process gets consumed during the fermentation process which results in the regeneration of NAD + that is again used in glycolysis. Therefore the right answer is B.