Fermentation

Fermentation uses yeast to convert glucose into ethanol and carbon dioxide.

C₆H₁₂O₆ + Zymase (YEAST) → 2C₂H₅OH + 2CO₂

Yeast contains the enzyme ZYMASE - this is the catalyst for the reaction. Fruits, vegetbales and grains all contain glucose, so they can all be used for fermentation.

OPTIMUM CONDITIONS

• Temperature around 30°
• pH level between 6-7, as too much acid or alkali can stop the enzyme from reacting
• Anaerobic conditions (no oxygen can be present as it turns ethanol into ethanoic acid)