Fermentation is anaerobic production of alcohol, lactic acid or similar compounds.

What is Fermentation?
Fermentation is a metabolic process that converts sugar to acids, gases or alcohol in the absence of oxygen. It is an anaerobic process and is carried out by microorganisms like yeast and bacteria.

Types of Fermentation
There are various types of fermentation, some of them are:

1. Alcoholic Fermentation: This type of fermentation is carried out by yeast and other fungi that produce alcohol and carbon dioxide.

2. Lactic Acid Fermentation: This type of fermentation is carried out by bacteria that produce lactic acid.

3. Acetic Acid Fermentation: This type of fermentation is carried out by bacteria that produce vinegar.

Products of Fermentation
The products of fermentation depend on the type of microorganism involved. Some common products of fermentation are:

1. Alcohol: This is produced by yeast and other fungi during alcoholic fermentation.

2. Lactic Acid: This is produced by bacteria during lactic acid fermentation.

3. Acetic Acid: This is produced by bacteria during acetic acid fermentation.

4. Carbon Dioxide: This is produced by yeast and other fungi during alcoholic fermentation.

Uses of Fermentation
Fermentation is used in various industries like food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and biofuel production. Some common uses of fermentation are:

1. Production of Beer and Wine: Alcoholic fermentation is used to produce beer and wine.

2. Production of Yogurt and Cheese: Lactic acid fermentation is used to produce yogurt and cheese.

3. Production of Antibiotics: Fermentation is used to produce antibiotics like penicillin.

4. Production of Biofuels: Fermentation is used to produce biofuels like ethanol.

In conclusion, fermentation is an important metabolic process that has various uses in different industries.

Fermentation is referred to as the decomposition of organic compounds, anaerobically by enzymes yielding alcohol, organic acids; gases etc.