What is Fermentation?

Fermentation is an enzyme-catalyzed metabolic process in which an organism converts carbohydrates, such as starch or sugar, into alcohol or acid, anaerobically (absence of oxygen) releasing energy.

The study of fermentation is called “zymology”.

For example, Alcohol / Ethanol Fermentation: It is used in the industrial production of wine, beer, biofuel, etc. The end product is alcohol and CO2.  

                                            C₆H₁₂O₆ --------->  2C₂H₅OH + 2CO₂

Yeasts break down pyruvate molecules, which is the output of the metabolism of glucose ( C₆H₁₂O₆) known as glycolysis- in starches or sugars down into ethyl alcohol (C2H5OH) and carbon dioxide (CO2) molecules. Alcoholic/Ethanol fermentation produces wine and beer.

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Updated on: 10-Oct-2022

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