Question

Which of the following enzymes is/are used for the production of high fructose syrup (HFS) from corn starch?

• A. ( alpha{-Amylase} )
• B. ( beta{-Amylase} )
• C. ( {Xylose isomerase} )
• D. ( {Glucoamylase} )

Hint:

The production of high fructose syrup involves enzymatic hydrolysis of starch into glucose, followed by isomerization of glucose into fructose, using specific enzymes like (alpha)-amylase, glucoamylase, and xylose isomerase.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

The production of high fructose syrup (HFS) from corn starch involves multiple enzymatic steps: 
- (alpha)-Amylase (A): This enzyme hydrolyzes starch into shorter oligosaccharides by breaking the (alpha)-1,4 glycosidic bonds. 
- Glucoamylase (D): It further breaks down the oligosaccharides into glucose by cleaving both (alpha)-1,4 and (alpha)-1,6 glycosidic bonds. 
- Xylose Isomerase (C): This enzyme converts glucose into fructose, a key step in the production of high fructose syrup. 
(beta)-Amylase (B) is not commonly used in the industrial process for producing high fructose syrup because it produces maltose rather than glucose, which is not a precursor for fructose production.