Question

Explain the role of yeast in the preparation of alcohol.

Answer 1

Yeasts:

1. Yeasts have enzymes that convert sugar to alcohol and carbon dioxide.
2. Fermentation refers to the enzymatic hydrolysis of sugar.
3. This is useful not only in the production of alcohol but also in the baking of bread or cakes.
4. The carbon dioxide and alcohol cause the dough to rise as the complex carbohydrates in the dough ferment.
5. The alcohol also gives the baked product its distinct taste and flavour.
6. During fermentation, yeast cells convert cereal-derived sugars into ethanol and CO₂.
7. At the same time, hundreds of secondary metabolites that affect the aroma and taste of beer are produced.