Two electron flows are combined to drive a common reduction.
Electron bifurcation and confurcation are especially important in anaerobic microbial bioenergetics and expand the taxonomy beyond the simplified “respiration versus fermentation” distinction. (PubMed Central (PMC))
Operational definition
Redox-coupling mechanism.
The reverse coupling arrangement in which electrons from two donors with different reduction potentials converge upon a common acceptor.
A favorable electron flow helps drive the otherwise unfavorable transfer from the weaker donor. Confurcation is the functional reverse of bifurcation, although the same enzyme need not necessarily operate equally in both directions in vivo.