Question

fill in the blank.
in the absence of oxygen, a process called __________ releases energy from food molecules by producing atp.

Explanation:

Fermentation is an anaerobic (oxygen - absent) process that breaks down food molecules (like glucose) to produce ATP. It is a way for cells to generate energy without using oxygen. For example, in yeast, alcoholic fermentation occurs in the absence of oxygen, and in some bacteria and our muscle cells (during intense exercise when oxygen supply is limited), lactic acid fermentation takes place. Both types of fermentation release a small amount of energy in the form of ATP from food molecules.

Answer:

fermentation