Question

Explain a process in which a biocatalyst is used in industrial preparation of a compound known to you.

Answer 1

Ethanol, \[\ce{C2H5OH}\], is obtained commercially by fermentation, the oldest method is from sugars. The sugar in molasses, sugarcane or fruits such as grapes is converted to glucose and fructose, (both of which have the formula \[\ce{C6H12O6}\]), in the presence of an enzyme, invertase. Glucose and fructose undergo fermentation in the presence of another enzyme, zymase, which is found in yeast.

\[\ce{C12H22O11 + H2O ->[Invertase] \underset{Glucose}{C6H12O6} + \underset{Fructose}{C6H12O6}}\]

\[\ce{C6H12O6 ->[Zymase] 2C2H5OH + 2CO2}\]

In wine making, grapes are the source of sugars and yeast. As grapes ripen, the quantity of sugar increases and yeast grows on the outer skin. When grapes are crushed, sugar and the enzyme come in contact and fermentation starts. Fermentation takes place in anaerobic conditions i.e. in absence of air. Carbon dioxide is released during fermentation.