What is the Difference Between Homolactic and Heterolactic Fermentation?

The main difference between homolactic and heterolactic fermentation lies in the products formed from the fermentation of glucose.

In homolactic fermentation:

One glucose molecule is converted into two lactic acid molecules.
This process is carried out by homofermentative bacteria.
Examples of homofermentative bacteria include Streptococcus mutans, which is responsible for dental caries, and Lactobacillus spp., which are used in the dairy industry for souring milk and producing fermented products.

In heterolactic fermentation:

One glucose molecule is converted into lactic acid, carbon dioxide, and ethanol.
This process is carried out by heterofermentative bacteria, such as Leuconostoc mesenteroides, Lactobacillus bifermentans, and Leuconostoc lactis.
Heterolactic fermentation produces less ATP than homolactic fermentation.

In summary, homolactic fermentation involves the conversion of glucose into two lactic acid molecules, while heterolactic fermentation involves the conversion of glucose into lactic acid, carbon dioxide, and ethanol. Homolactic fermentation is carried out by homofermentative bacteria, whereas heterolactic fermentation is carried out by heterofermentative bacteria.

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What is the Difference Between Homolactic and Heterolactic Fermentation?

Comparative Table: Homolactic vs Heterolactic Fermentation

Here is a table comparing the differences between homolactic and heterolactic fermentation:

Feature	Homolactic Fermentation	Heterolactic Fermentation
Definition	The conversion of one glucose molecule into two lactic acid molecules.	The conversion of one glucose molecule into lactic acid, carbon dioxide, and ethanol.
End Products	Two lactic acid molecules.	Lactic acid, carbon dioxide, and ethanol.
Bacteria	Involves homofermentative bacteria, which convert glucose into two molecules of lactate.	Involves heterofermentative bacteria, which produce less lactate and less ATP.
ATP Production	Produces more ATP than heterolactic fermentation.	Produces less ATP than homolactic fermentation.
Examples of Bacteria	Streptococcus mutans.	Leuconostoc mesenteroides, Lactobacillus bifermentous, and Leconostoc lactis.

The main difference between homolactic and heterolactic fermentation is the products formed during the fermentation process. In homolactic fermentation, one glucose molecule is converted into two lactic acid molecules, while in heterolactic fermentation, one glucose molecule is converted into lactic acid, carbon dioxide, and ethanol.

Guilherme Mazui

Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.