What type of process is fermentation categorized as?

Fermentation is categorized as an anaerobic process because it occurs in the absence of oxygen. During fermentation, cells convert sugars into energy through biochemical reactions that do not require oxygen. This metabolic pathway is especially important for organisms that live in environments where oxygen is scarce, allowing them to generate energy and produce byproducts such as alcohol or lactic acid. The anaerobic respiration allows for the continued production of ATP when aerobic respiration cannot take place, making it a vital process for many microorganisms and certain types of cells in the human body, such as muscle cells during intense exercise.