Acetate is produced in the mixed acid fermentation pathway of some gram negative rod shaped bacteria (produces acetate, lactate, formate, succinate, ethanol, hydrogen and carbon dioxide). Cariogenic bacteria do not produce the enzymes that break down sugars in the mixed acid fermentation pathway. Rather cariogenic bacteria like Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus sp. break down sugars using the lactic acid fermentation pathway. Lactobacillus sp. got the first part of their name (i.e., Lacto-) because they have the lactic acid fermentation pathway. Streptococcus also break down sugars using the lactic acid fermentation pathway.