Final answer:
The enzymes responsible for converting pyruvate into ethanol during fermentation are pyruvate decarboxylase and alcohol dehydrogenase. Pyruvate decarboxylase decarboxylates pyruvate into acetaldehyde, and alcohol dehydrogenase then reduces acetaldehyde to ethanol.
Step-by-step explanation:
The enzymes used to turn pyruvate into ethanol during the fermentation process are pyruvate decarboxylase and alcohol dehydrogenase. In the first step, pyruvate decarboxylase catalyzes the removal of a carboxyl group from pyruvate, producing acetaldehyde and releasing CO₂. This enzyme requires a coenzyme derived from vitamin B1, known as thiamine pyrophosphate (TPP). In the second step, alcohol dehydrogenase catalyzes the reduction of acetaldehyde to ethanol, while oxidizing NADH to NAD+. This two-step process is essential for the production of ethanol in yeast fermentation, which has practical application in the production of alcoholic beverages, bread products, and biofuels.