Question

Sugar is converted into alcohol through the process of _____

• A. Parboiling
• B. Oxidation
• C. Maillard Browning
• D. Fermentation

Hint:

In industrial biotechnology, fermentation is always associated with yeasts (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) converting plant sugars into ethanol. Keep this pathway in mind for agricultural post-harvest processing.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The conversion of simple carbohydrates, such as sugars, into alcohols or organic acids is a fundamental metabolic process.
This biochemical pathway occurs under anaerobic conditions, meaning it takes place in the absence of oxygen, and is facilitated by microorganisms.
Key Formula or Approach:
The chemical equation representing the anaerobic fermentation of glucose by yeast enzymes is: \[ C_6H_{12}O_6 \xrightarrow{\text{Yeast (Zymase)}} 2C_2H_5OH + 2CO_2 + \text{Energy} \]

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
During fermentation, micro-organisms like yeast secrete enzymes (such as zymase) that break down hexose sugars (glucose or fructose) into ethanol (ethyl alcohol) and carbon dioxide gas.
Let us review the alternate processes:
- Parboiling is a hydrothermal treatment of paddy wheat or rice before milling to improve nutritional quality and milling yield.
- Oxidation is a chemical reaction involving the loss of electrons or an increase in the oxidation state of a substance.
- Maillard Browning is a non-enzymatic reaction between reducing sugars and amino acids, typically occurring at elevated temperatures, which gives browned food its distinctive flavor.
Hence, the biological conversion of sugars to alcohol is uniquely defined as fermentation.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The chemical conversion of sugar into alcohol is accomplished through fermentation.