Question

Glucose and Fructose are fermented into ethyl alcohol under the influence of :

• A. \( \text{Maltase} \)
• B. \( \text{Invertase} \)
• C. \( \text{Zymase} \)
• D. \( \text{Sulphuric Acid} \)

Hint:

\textbf{Biochemistry: Alcoholic Fermentation.} Remember that zymase is a complex of enzymes found in yeast that catalyzes the anaerobic conversion of sugars like glucose and fructose into ethanol and carbon dioxide. This process is fundamental in the production of alcoholic beverages and in baking.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Fermentation is a metabolic process that converts sugar to acids, gases, or alcohol. The fermentation of glucose and fructose into ethyl alcohol (ethanol) and carbon dioxide is specifically carried out by enzymes produced by yeast. The key enzyme complex responsible for this conversion is zymase. The biochemical reactions involved are: \begin{itemize} \item Glucose \( (C_6H_{12}O_6) \xrightarrow{\text{Zymase}} 2 C_2H_5OH \text{ (Ethyl Alcohol)} + 2 CO_2 \text{ (Carbon Dioxide)} \) \item Fructose \( (C_6H_{12}O_6) \xrightarrow{\text{Zymase}} 2 C_2H_5OH \text{ (Ethyl Alcohol)} + 2 CO_2 \text{ (Carbon Dioxide)} \) \end{itemize} Maltase is an enzyme that hydrolyzes maltose into glucose. Invertase (or sucrase) hydrolyzes sucrose into glucose and fructose. Sulphuric acid is a strong inorganic acid and is not involved in the enzymatic fermentation of sugars into alcohol.