What is fermentation? How is it useful?

The word "ferment" is derived from the Latin word "fervere", which means 'to boil'. 

The science of fermentation is known as Zymology, derived from the Greek word meaning "the workings of fermentation", and also the study of the biochemical process of fermentation and its applications.

Fermentation is a chemical process by which carbohydrates, such as starch and glucose, are broken down anaerobically(absence of oxygen) with the action of microorganisms (yeasts, bacteria, and moulds) that extract energy from the process.

It is not limited to only yeast but can also be carried out in muscles, in which the muscles catalyze the conversion of glucose to lactate.

The uses of Fermentation

It is used in households for making bread, yoghurt, and apple cider vinegar.

It has many health benefits and is used in the production of alcoholic beverages

It is also used in industry to generate ethyl alcohol or ethanol (CH3CH2OH) as a source of biofuel.