Which of the following processes will occur in the absence of oxygen?

• A. Photosynthesis
• B. Alcoholic fermentation
• C. Aerobic respiration
• D. Oxidative phosphorylation

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the role of oxygen in cellular processes. Oxygen is a key electron acceptor in aerobic respiration and oxidative phosphorylation, which means these processes require oxygen to proceed.
2. Step 2: Identify which processes are aerobic (require oxygen) and which are anaerobic (do not require oxygen). Photosynthesis generally requires light and carbon dioxide but not oxygen directly, while aerobic respiration and oxidative phosphorylation require oxygen.
3. Step 3: Recognize that alcoholic fermentation is an anaerobic process, meaning it occurs in the absence of oxygen. It allows cells to generate energy by converting pyruvate into alcohol and carbon dioxide when oxygen is not available.
4. Step 4: Compare the processes: Photosynthesis is not directly dependent on oxygen presence or absence, aerobic respiration and oxidative phosphorylation require oxygen, and alcoholic fermentation occurs without oxygen.
5. Step 5: Conclude that among the given options, alcoholic fermentation is the process that occurs in the absence of oxygen.