A recombinant yeast cell, fermentation compositions, and methods of use thereof are provided. The recombinant yeast cell includes at least one heterologous nucleic acid encoding one or more polypeptide having phosphoketolase activity; phosphotransacetylase activity; and/or acetylating acetaldehyde dehydrogenase activity, wherein the cell does not include a heterologous modified xylose reductase gene, and wherein the cell is capable of increased biochemical end product production in a fermentation process when compared to a parent yeast cell.