Further oxidation may take place to form
various products such as 2-ketogluconic acid.
Several studies of this mechanism, summarized
by Sebek and Randles (1952), have failed to
detect phosphorylation of the glucose molecule
preliminary to oxidation. In the absence of compounds
such as nitrates, the oxidation of carbohydrates
is a strictly aerobic process, whereas
fermentation is an anaerobic process.