Term for the biochemical metabolism of organic substances in the presence of oxygen. During respiration in animals or humans, for example, the cells burn the energy building block sugar to form carbon dioxide and water. However, aerobic conditions, i.e. sufficient oxygen, are required for complete combustion. In winemaking, oxygen causes oxidative processes; see oxidative maturation and reductive matur ation. Fermentation usually takes place for the most part under anaerobic conditions (absence of oxygen). Areobic conditions (presence of oxygen) are, however, important before or at the beginning of fermentation, as yeasts can only divide and multiply in an oxygen-rich environment. The scientist Louis Pasteur (1822-1895) reported as early as 1861 that yeasts consume much less sugar in an aerobic environment. In this context, one speaks of the Crabtree effect named after the English biochemist. The fermentation-like process of fermentation takes place under aerobic conditions.
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