Final answer:
Yes, the enzyme sucrose (invertase) is able to break apart sucrose into glucose and fructose through a hydrolysis reaction. This enzymatic reaction is a catabolic process and is exergonic. Sucrose remains stable for storage in the absence of invertase.
Step-by-step explanation:
Sucrose (invertase) is an enzyme specifically designed to hydrolyze the disaccharide sucrose into its constituent monosaccharides, glucose and fructose. This process is an example of a catabolic process, as it involves breaking down complex molecules into simpler ones. In the question, if 'this sugar' is referring to sucrose, then the answer is Yes, invertase would still be able to break apart sucrose.
When invertase acts on sucrose, it facilitates a hydrolysis reaction where a water molecule is added to the disaccharide, effectively splitting it into glucose and fructose. This enzymatic reaction does require an initial input of energy, known as the activation energy, to get started. However, once the reaction begins, it continues until all the sucrose is broken down. This reaction is exergonic, meaning it releases energy.
It is also important to note that the suitability of storing sucrose in a sugar bowl is unaffected by the presence or absence of invertase, as long as the enzyme is not present in the bowl. Under normal household conditions, without invertase, sucrose remains stable and does not spontaneously hydrolyze into glucose and fructose.