External Fermentation vs. Internal Fermentation

Attribute	External Fermentation	Internal Fermentation
Location	Outside the organism's body	Inside the organism's body
Examples	Yeast in beer brewing	Bacteria in human gut
Oxygen Requirement	Requires oxygen	Does not require oxygen
Products	Alcohol, carbon dioxide	Acids, gases

Introduction

Fermentation is a metabolic process that produces chemical changes in organic substrates through the action of enzymes. It is a crucial process in the production of various products such as beer, wine, bread, and yogurt. There are two main types of fermentation: external fermentation and internal fermentation. In this article, we will compare the attributes of these two types of fermentation to understand their differences and similarities.

External Fermentation

External fermentation, also known as surface fermentation, is a process where microorganisms ferment a substrate outside of the organism's body. This type of fermentation is commonly used in the production of alcoholic beverages such as beer and wine. In external fermentation, the microorganisms are typically exposed to the substrate in a controlled environment, such as a fermentation tank or vat. The process allows for easy monitoring and control of the fermentation conditions, such as temperature, pH, and oxygen levels.

• Microorganisms ferment substrate outside of the organism's body
• Commonly used in the production of alcoholic beverages
• Microorganisms are exposed to the substrate in a controlled environment
• Allows for easy monitoring and control of fermentation conditions

Internal Fermentation

Internal fermentation, on the other hand, is a process where microorganisms ferment a substrate inside the organism's body. This type of fermentation is commonly found in organisms such as bacteria, yeast, and fungi. Internal fermentation allows the organism to utilize the energy produced by the fermentation process for its own metabolic activities. The process is essential for the survival and growth of these organisms, as it provides them with the necessary nutrients and energy.

• Microorganisms ferment substrate inside the organism's body
• Commonly found in bacteria, yeast, and fungi
• Allows the organism to utilize the energy produced by fermentation
• Essential for the survival and growth of the organism

Comparison of Attributes

When comparing external fermentation and internal fermentation, there are several key attributes to consider. One of the main differences between the two types of fermentation is the location of the fermentation process. In external fermentation, the process takes place outside of the organism's body, while in internal fermentation, it occurs inside the organism's body. This difference in location has implications for the control and monitoring of the fermentation process.

Another important attribute to consider is the energy utilization in external and internal fermentation. In external fermentation, the energy produced by the fermentation process is typically used to produce the desired product, such as alcohol in the case of beer and wine production. In contrast, in internal fermentation, the energy produced is used by the organism for its own metabolic activities, such as growth and reproduction.

Furthermore, the types of microorganisms involved in external and internal fermentation differ. In external fermentation, the microorganisms are typically selected and added to the substrate by the fermenter to initiate the fermentation process. In internal fermentation, the microorganisms are naturally present in the organism's body and play a crucial role in its metabolic processes.

Additionally, the environmental conditions required for external and internal fermentation can vary. In external fermentation, the fermenter can control and adjust the temperature, pH, and oxygen levels to optimize the fermentation process. In internal fermentation, the organism's internal environment plays a significant role in determining the conditions for the fermentation process.

Conclusion

In conclusion, external fermentation and internal fermentation are two distinct types of fermentation processes with unique attributes. External fermentation takes place outside of the organism's body and is commonly used in the production of alcoholic beverages. Internal fermentation, on the other hand, occurs inside the organism's body and is essential for its survival and growth. By understanding the differences and similarities between these two types of fermentation, we can appreciate the importance of fermentation in various biological and industrial processes.