Which chemical equation represents alcoholic fermentation?
a) 6 CO2 + 6 H2O + energy → C6H12O2+602
b) C6H12O2→2 C3H6O
c) C6H12O2+6026 CO2 + 6 H2O + ATP
d) C6H12O2→2 C2H5OH + 2 CO2
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is:
d) C₆H₁₂O₆ → 2 C₂H₅OH + 2 CO₂
Explanation:
Alcoholic fermentation is a biological process in which glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆) is converted into ethanol (C₂H₅OH) and carbon dioxide (CO₂) under anaerobic (oxygen-free) conditions. This process is carried out primarily by yeast (e.g., Saccharomyces cerevisiae) and some bacteria.
Step-by-Step Breakdown of Alcoholic Fermentation:
- Glycolysis – The first stage occurs in the cytoplasm, where one glucose molecule (C₆H₁₂O₆) is broken down into two molecules of pyruvate (C₃H₄O₃). This process produces 2 ATP molecules, which serve as energy for the cell.
- Conversion to Ethanol and Carbon Dioxide – In the absence of oxygen:
- Each pyruvate molecule is converted into acetaldehyde (C₂H₄O) by releasing CO₂.
- Acetaldehyde is then reduced to ethanol (C₂H₅OH) with the help of NADH (which is oxidized back to NAD⁺).
Thus, the overall reaction is:
[
C₆H₁₂O₆ → 2 C₂H₅OH + 2 CO₂
]
This means that one glucose molecule is converted into two ethanol molecules and two carbon dioxide molecules.
Importance of Alcoholic Fermentation:
- Beverage Industry: It is used in brewing and winemaking to produce alcoholic drinks.
- Baking Industry: The CO₂ produced causes bread dough to rise.
- Biofuel Production: Ethanol is used as a renewable fuel source.
This process is different from aerobic respiration, where glucose is completely broken down into water and carbon dioxide, producing much more ATP.
Now, let me generate an image representing alcoholic fermentation.
Here is the scientific diagram illustrating the process of alcoholic fermentation. It shows the conversion of glucose into ethanol and carbon dioxide through yeast, with labeled steps for glycolysis, acetaldehyde formation, and final ethanol production. Let me know if you need any modifications!