Study Guides/Chemistry/Fermentation: Sugar to Alcohol
Study Guide · Chemistry

The Process of Conversion of Sugar into Alcohol

The process of converting sugar into alcohol is called Fermentation. It is a biochemical process used to make bread, beer, wine, and industrial ethanol.

Question (Click to Flip)

The process of conversion of sugar into alcohol is called?

Answer

The process of converting sugar (glucose) into alcohol (ethanol) is called Fermentation. It is carried out by yeast using the enzyme Zymase in anaerobic conditions.

Card 1 of 1 free previews

Key Facts

Process Name: Fermentation.

Reactant: Glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆).

Products: Ethanol (C₂H₅OH) + Carbon Dioxide (CO₂).

Catalyst: Zymase enzyme (from yeast).

Condition: Anaerobic (no oxygen required).

What is Fermentation?

Fermentation is the anaerobic (without oxygen) process in which yeast (a microorganism, Saccharomyces cerevisiae) breaks down glucose (sugar) into ethanol (alcohol) and carbon dioxide gas.

Chemical Equation:

C₆H₁₂O₆ → 2C₂H₅OH + 2CO₂

(Glucose) → (Ethanol) + (Carbon Dioxide)

The catalyst for this reaction is the enzyme Zymase, found naturally in yeast.

Everyday Applications of Fermentation

  1. Bread Making: CO₂ gas produced during fermentation makes the bread dough rise and become fluffy.
  2. Alcohol Industry: Used to produce beer, wine, and industrial ethanol.
  3. Vinegar (Sirka): Further oxidation of ethanol produces acetic acid (vinegar).
  4. Bioethanol Fuel: Sugarcane juice is fermented to produce ethanol used as a biofuel.

Questions and Answers

The process of conversion of sugar into alcohol is called?+

The process of converting sugar (glucose) into alcohol (ethanol) is called Fermentation. It is carried out by yeast using the enzyme Zymase in anaerobic conditions.

More in Chemistry

Study Smarter with Shinyu.ai

Turn this guide into revision flashcards, a practice exam, or an AI-generated podcast — free, no signup required.