Final answer:
Corn syrup production by Ian and Curtis would involve extracting starch from corn kernels, breaking it down into sugars via enzymes, filtering, and concentrating. Unlike historical sugar production risks, modern methods prioritize safety. Plant biotechnology may contribute if modified corn is used.
Step-by-step explanation:
The basic process used by Ian and Curtis to produce their own corn syrup likely involves several key steps, which are generally similar to those used in historical sugar production, but specific to corn as the agricultural crop. Upon harvesting the crop, they would start by extracting the starch from the corn kernels. This starch would then be mixed with water and enzymes to break it down into simpler sugars, a process known as hydrolysis. Following hydrolysis, the resultant liquid is filtered to remove impurities and then concentrated to achieve the desired consistency and sweetness level of corn syrup.
During the production phase, several preventative measures would be taken to ensure safety, unlike the historical sugar cane production which posed substantial risks to workers. This would involve careful monitoring of the temperatures to prevent scalding and using proper machinery to avoid any injuries. The step involving the use of enzymes for hydrolysis is akin to a kitchen science experiment, where the transformation of substances is observed, such as sugar molecules being heated and modified.
Plant biotechnology may also play a role in the production of corn syrup if the corn used is a result of agricultural modifications designed to yield crops that are easier to process or that have particular desired traits, as seen in Figures showcasing the importance of corn as a major agricultural crop modified through biotechnology.