What metabolic process results in the formation of water and carbon dioxide using acetic acid?

The correct answer is oxidation because this metabolic process involves the breakdown of acetic acid (ethanoic acid) through metabolic pathways, such as cellular respiration. During oxidation, acetic acid is converted into energy, and the byproducts of this process are water and carbon dioxide. This is a crucial step in aerobic respiration where organic compounds, including acetic acid, are oxidized to release energy stored in their chemical bonds.

In the context of metabolism, the oxidation of metabolites like acetic acid provides energy for cellular activities. The carbon from acetic acid is ultimately transformed into carbon dioxide, while the hydrogen combines with oxygen to form water.

Other processes mentioned, such as fermentation, typically result in the production of alcohol or acids rather than water and carbon dioxide. Decomposition tends to break down organic materials into simpler compounds, not specifically focusing on energy production in the form of water and carbon dioxide. Hydrolysis, on the other hand, involves the breaking down of compounds through the reaction with water, rather than the metabolic conversion that produces water and carbon dioxide as end-products.