What is the Difference Between Fermentation and Rotting

The main difference between fermentation and rotting is that fermentation is a metabolic process that occurs through the action of enzymes, whereas rotting is a decay that occurs through the action of bacteria and fungi.    

Generally, fermentation and rotting are two types of chemical processes that occur in organic substrates. Both processes change the physical and chemical characteristics of the organic substrate.  

Key Areas Covered

1. What is Fermentation
     – Definition, Characteristics, Importance
2. What is Rotting
     – Definition, Characteristics, Importance
3. Similarities Between Fermentation and Rotting
     – Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Fermentation and Rotting
     – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Fermentation, Rotting

What is Fermentation

Fermentation is a group of chemical reactions that occurs through the action of microorganisms to convert sugars into carbon dioxide and ethanol. There are two steps in fermentation that include glycolysis and fermentation. In the first step, the sugars undergo glycolysis, which breaks down the hexose sugar glucose into two pyruvate molecules. Pyruvate is a three-carbon compound. Generally, glycolysis utilizes two ATP molecules while producing four ATP molecules from the energy released from glucose.

Figure1: Fermentation

Furthermore, pyruvate is oxidized to ethanol or lactic acid in the second step of fermentation. In addition, there are two types of fermentation processes: ethanol fermentation and lactic acid fermentation. Generally, ethanol fermentation is used to produce beer, bread, and wine. Lactic acid fermentation occurs in animal muscles and tissues when tissues require more energy. Moreover, in yogurt production, lactic acid fermentation is used to produce lactic acid from lactose.

What is Rotting

Rotting is the process of breaking down dead organic substances into simple organic and inorganic matter. Another name for the process is decomposition. In this process, simple organic and inorganic matter include simple sugars, carbon dioxide, mineral salts, and water. Also, the main feature of the process is that it is a part of the nutrient cycle. In addition, rotting is essential for the recycling of finite matter that occurs in the biosphere.

Figure 2: Decomposing

Moreover, the organisms that help the process of decomposition are decomposers. They are also known as detritivores. In general, decomposers include invertebrates, fungi, and soil bacteria. Sometimes, they are collectively known as saprotrophs that recycle dead animals and plants into nutrients. Selectively, the main type of decomposer is fungi that secrete digestive enzymes on the organic matter in order to undergo extracellular digestion. More importantly, the digested nutrients are important for the growth of plants.    

Similarities Between Fermentation and Rotting

• Fermentation and rotting are two types of chemical and physical processes that occur in organic substrates.
• Furthermore, they change the properties of the organic substrates.

Difference Between Fermentation and Rotting

Definition

Fermentation refers to a metabolic process that produces chemical changes in carbohydrates through the action of enzymes, while rotting refers to decay or cause to decay by the action of bacteria and fungi.

Type of Action

Fermentation occurs by the action of enzymes, while rotting occurs by the action of bacteria and fungi.

Substances

Fermentation occurs in carbohydrates, while rotting occurs in dead organic substances.

Conclusion                                                                                                      

In brief, fermentation and rotting are two processes that occur in organic substrates. They change the physical and chemical properties of the substrate. Generally, fermentation is a metabolic process that makes chemical changes to carbohydrates. It occurs through the action of enzymes. Rotting, on the other hand, is the decomposition or decay that occurs in dead organic substances. Hence, rotting occurs through the action of bacteria and fungi. Therefore, the main difference between fermentation and rotting is the type of action.                                           

References:                

1. Wikimedia Foundation. (2022, December 13). Fermentation. Wikipedia. Retrieved December 15, 2022, 
2. Wikimedia Foundation. (2022, November 28). Decomposition. Wikipedia. Retrieved December 15, 2022,

Image Courtesy:

1. “Fermenting” By Janice Carr – Own work (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Berge naturreservat omkullfallet liten tall” By Giraffe Gregor – Own Work (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia