fermentation

An anaerobic process that converts sugar into ethanol and carbon dioxide:

sugar → ethanol + carbon dioxide

C₆H₁₂O₆ → 2CH₃CH₂OH + 2CO₂

Yeast (a single-celled fungus), provides the enzymes needed for fermentation to happen. The process is used to produce alcoholic drinks, bioethanol fuel, and carbon dioxide for the fizzy drinks industry. It is used by bakers to make bread dough rise.

 Back to the previous page

  Go to the Glossary