Describe fermentation in yeast and bacteria.

Fermentation is a metabolic process in which microorganisms like yeast and bacteria convert sugars into other compounds, such as alcohol, acids, and gases, under anaerobic (without oxygen) conditions.

  • Fermentation in Yeast:

    • Yeast (e.g., Saccharomyces cerevisiae) is commonly used in fermentation for the production of alcohol and bread. When yeast ferments sugars like glucose, it produces ethanol (alcohol) and carbon dioxide as byproducts. This is the basis for brewing beer, winemaking, and baking.
    • Equation for Yeast Fermentation: C6H12O6→2C2H5OH+2CO2

  • Fermentation in Bacteria:

    • Bacteria, such as Lactobacillus or Streptococcus, also undergo fermentation, but their products vary depending on the species. For instance, Lactobacillus ferments sugars to produce lactic acid, which is used in yogurt and sauerkraut production.
    • Some bacteria, like Clostridium species, produce butyric acid or other organic acids.
    • Lactic Acid Fermentation: C6H12O6→2C3H6O3

Related Questions:

  1. What is the importance of biotechnology?
  2. Name the organism used in fermentation for making bread, alcohol, cheese, and yogurt.
  3. Name the medical products produced by large-scale fermentation.
  4. How has genetic engineering improved the quality of agricultural yield?
  5. Microbes are commonly used in biotechnology. What are the advantages of each of them?
  6. Give three examples of traditional foods made with the help of microbes.
  7. Yogurt manufacture requires a temperature of around 40°C. Explain precisely why this is the best temperature to use.
  8. The diagram shows an important step of genetic engineering. Name the structures P, Q, and R. What is the next step of this process?
  9. The flowchart is showing anaerobic respiration. Identify the processes A, B, and C. Name the products (i) and (ii) produced by these processes.
  10. Name the structure through which the exchange of gases can take place in plants.
  11. Name the ways through which a plant can obtain oxygen.
  12. Why should one not sleep under a tree at night?
  13. Why would very wet soil be dangerous to plants
  14. Why do plants not need a specialized respiratory system?
  15. How does the exchange of gases take place in alveoli?
  16. What is the effect of exercise on the rate of breathing?
  17. Compare inspired air and expired air.
  18. How do viral infections like COVID-19 affect bronchi?
  19. What is the importance of breathing in fresh air?
  20. What is the importance of keeping the nasal and oral cavity clear?