Explain the process of fermentation - Leaving Cert Home Economics - Question 7 - 2017

Fermentation is a metabolic process that converts sugars into acids, gases, or alcohol in the absence of oxygen. This process is primarily facilitated by microorganisms such as yeast and bacteria. During fermentation, these microorganisms break down organic substances, notably glucose, using enzymes to release energy.

The overall reaction for fermentation can be simplified as follows:

$ext{yeast} + C_6H_{12}O_6 + ext{moisture} + ext{warmth} \rightarrow 2CO_2 + C_2H_5OH + ext{energy}$

The by-products of this process include carbon dioxide and alcohol, along with other compounds depending on the microorganisms involved and the fermentation conditions.