Question

During alcoholic fermentation of yeast, two molecules of glucose produce

• A. 3 molecules of ethanol + 3 molecules of ${\mathrm{CO}}_2$
• B. 6 molecules of ethanol + 6 molecules of ${\mathrm{CO}}_2$
• C. 2 molecules of ethanol + 2 molecules of ${\mathrm{CO}}_2$
• D. 4 molecules of ethanol + 4 molecules of ${\mathrm{CO}}_2$

Answer 1

The correct option is D 4 molecules of ethanol + 4 molecules of ${\mathrm{CO}}_2$

During the process of glycolysis, one molecule of glucose results in the formation of two molecules of pyruvic acid. Therefore, two molecules of glucose will result in the formation of four molecules of pyruvic acid which, in the absence of oxygen, will further enter the pathway of alcoholic fermentation. Alcoholic fermentation is the process by which pyruvic acid loses a molecule of ${\mathrm{CO}}_2$ and gets converted into ethanol. Hence, during this process, these four molecules of pyruvic acid obtained from glycolysis, form four molecules of ethanol and release four molecules of ${\mathrm{CO}}_2$.